2002 VQ35 Knock @ 2k rpm
04-10-2013, 06:28 AM
#1
2002 VQ35 Knock @ 2k rpm
Yes, I know, you probably only opened this thread to flame me about using the search button, I've actually seen and used it many times.
In all my research, one thing I never found was a video or sound clip (that lead to a valid link, anyway). My car has been doing this since I purchased it last December. It occurs between 1500 and 3k rpm. Gear does not matter, does it in 1-6 at light throttle, around 10-20% I'd say.
It does not sound like octane ping, it is much more of a hard knocking sound, not a ping/tick from within the engine. I've always run 92/93, usually Shell V-Power. Is this the same issue every one else has had? If so, are there any definitive fixes? Thanks for all your help!
Video I took this morning (on a closed course that wasnt within sight of a public highway where others could have been endangered)
At the 5sec mark I gave it more throttle, then let off and the sound came back.
In all my research, one thing I never found was a video or sound clip (that lead to a valid link, anyway). My car has been doing this since I purchased it last December. It occurs between 1500 and 3k rpm. Gear does not matter, does it in 1-6 at light throttle, around 10-20% I'd say.
It does not sound like octane ping, it is much more of a hard knocking sound, not a ping/tick from within the engine. I've always run 92/93, usually Shell V-Power. Is this the same issue every one else has had? If so, are there any definitive fixes? Thanks for all your help!
Video I took this morning (on a closed course that wasnt within sight of a public highway where others could have been endangered)
At the 5sec mark I gave it more throttle, then let off and the sound came back.
04-10-2013, 07:32 AM
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Northern California
Posts: 158
Based on the frequency of the knock I would be looking at the drivetrain, possibly a CV joint. We can probably rule out most of the transmission since it happens in all gears, motor mounts can make noises when bad but it's usually a single clunk when accelerating/decelerating.
Does the frequency of the knock change based on the speed of the car or the RPM of the engine? If it follows the speed of the car then I'm leaning toward something downstream of the transmission.
Does the frequency of the knock change based on the speed of the car or the RPM of the engine? If it follows the speed of the car then I'm leaning toward something downstream of the transmission.
04-10-2013, 07:52 AM
#3
I hadn't really considered anything in the drive train, I guess maybe due to the main problems of pinging/knocking that many people have mentioned and I presumed I had the same issue.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
04-10-2013, 08:00 AM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Northern California
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I hadn't really considered anything in the drive train, I guess maybe due to the main problems of pinging/knocking that many people have mentioned and I presumed I had the same issue.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
04-10-2013, 08:12 AM
#5
Can't tell if its coming from a specific side. I also forgot to note that I can feel it in my foot. Not through the pedal, but feel the vibration in the floorboard.
If it is drivetrain related, I just wonder why it does it between those rpms. Not at 4k with same throttle.
If it is drivetrain related, I just wonder why it does it between those rpms. Not at 4k with same throttle.
04-10-2013, 08:23 AM
#7
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Location: Northern California
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Can't tell if its coming from a specific side. I also forgot to note that I can feel it in my foot. Not through the pedal, but feel the vibration in the floorboard.
If it is drivetrain related, I just wonder why it does it between those rpms. Not at 4k with same throttle.
If it is drivetrain related, I just wonder why it does it between those rpms. Not at 4k with same throttle.
Can we assume the frequency follows the speed of the car?
Last edited by slo-ryde; 04-10-2013 at 08:31 AM.
04-10-2013, 08:32 AM
#9
I'd be okay with saying that, because in first gear it's literally "clunk... clunk... clunk...," but at 30 it is as you see in the video. 75mph isnt THAT much faster than 40, but I also havent driven at 75 in a few weeks, so my memory could be serving me wrong.
Last edited by Claybob86; 04-10-2013 at 08:40 AM.
04-10-2013, 08:47 AM
#10
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Windows down hasnt help, I may try to find a place with retaining wall or buildings close to the street and drive by that. Although it would reflect the sound regardless, it would probably be louder when that side is against the wall/building...
I'd be okay with saying that, because it first its literally "clunk... clunk... clunk...," but at 30 it is as you see in the video. 75mph isnt THAT much faster than 40, but I also havent driven at 75 in a few weeks, so my memory could be serving me wrong.
I'd be okay with saying that, because it first its literally "clunk... clunk... clunk...," but at 30 it is as you see in the video. 75mph isnt THAT much faster than 40, but I also havent driven at 75 in a few weeks, so my memory could be serving me wrong.
Do you notice any vibration in the steering wheel?
04-10-2013, 08:50 AM
#11
I had the same exact thing in a previous Sentra 5 speed I had. I took it to my mechanic, he said he didn't know what it was BUT,it was definitely something in the tranny. I replaced the tranny with a used one and that sound was gone.
I had the issue for some time, like 3 months. Initially, it sounded like yours does now, but as time went on it got worse. The thump would become so loud and aggressive that you'd think that something was going to break through the firewall.
I had the issue for some time, like 3 months. Initially, it sounded like yours does now, but as time went on it got worse. The thump would become so loud and aggressive that you'd think that something was going to break through the firewall.
04-10-2013, 08:53 AM
#12
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Join Date: Feb 2002
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I had the same exact thing in a previous Sentra 5 speed I had. I took it to my mechanic, he said he didn't know what it was BUT,it was definitely something in the tranny. I replaced the tranny with a used one and that sound was gone.
I had the issue for some time, like 3 months. Initially, it sounded like yours does now, but as time went on it got worse. The thump would become so loud and aggressive that you'd think that something was going to break through the firewall.
I had the issue for some time, like 3 months. Initially, it sounded like yours does now, but as time went on it got worse. The thump would become so loud and aggressive that you'd think that something was going to break through the firewall.
04-10-2013, 09:08 AM
#14
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Is there anyway you can get the front on jack stands and put it in gear to see if you can get a better idea of where the sound is coming from.
The best plan would be to get it on a lift but i know most people don't have access to one.
The dull knock sounds more like drive drain and also like a bad tire but hard to hear.
The best plan would be to get it on a lift but i know most people don't have access to one.
The dull knock sounds more like drive drain and also like a bad tire but hard to hear.
04-10-2013, 03:31 PM
#15
Update while sitting in Atlanta traffic:
Now that I think about it, it has gotten progressively worse/easier to make it happen over the past month or so. This leads me to believe it could be something like an axle. I'll get under it and give an update this weekend.
Now that I think about it, it has gotten progressively worse/easier to make it happen over the past month or so. This leads me to believe it could be something like an axle. I'll get under it and give an update this weekend.
04-10-2013, 05:32 PM
#16
The sound is as if the axle was installed at a tilted angle, right? I thought that too but replaced the tranny anyway. The sound did go away and it could be because when they re-installed the same axles they were installed properly the 2nd time. I think I tried to figure out which side it was on to see whether it was the left or right axle but could never figure it out. The thumping would occur even while going straight ahead and I think that's why the mechanic concluded it was something inside the tranny.
Of course I didn't see all of this at the time, so you may benefit from my hindsight.
You may want to have someone re-install your axles and hope the sounds goes away......who knows
Of course I didn't see all of this at the time, so you may benefit from my hindsight.
You may want to have someone re-install your axles and hope the sounds goes away......who knows
04-10-2013, 06:56 PM
#17
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I've been pondering this problem today, even went out and put eyeballs on the front drive-train, motor mounts, and a few other things.
My original thought remains, that this noise is coming from something in the final drive from the trans-axle out through the axles since the frequency follows the speed of the car.
Both axles exit the trans-axle in very close proximity to the firewall on the driver's side of the engine compartment. I would try to grab the axles where they connect to the trans-axle output shaft and see if there's any noticeable play. Another option might be to get the front wheels off the ground and see if you can reproduce the noise, then watch the axles for any unusual vibrations. My guess is reproducing the noise with the front wheels off the ground is going to be tough since there's no load on any of the components.
The only other thing that hasn't been touched on is the limited slip differential that the manual transmission cars have. Has the oil in the transmission been checked? Most limited slip differentials require special additives (friction modifiers) but I don't know if this applies to the differential in the Maxima. I'm big on trying all the easy stuff first, replacing the oil in the transmission/differential/trans-axle is easy and cheap and it gives you a chance to see if there's any metal in the oil that would point to some type of internal failure. Check the lug nuts for both front wheels, move the tires to the back, look for something that might be wrapped around an axle and literally thumping on something underneath.
My original thought remains, that this noise is coming from something in the final drive from the trans-axle out through the axles since the frequency follows the speed of the car.
Both axles exit the trans-axle in very close proximity to the firewall on the driver's side of the engine compartment. I would try to grab the axles where they connect to the trans-axle output shaft and see if there's any noticeable play. Another option might be to get the front wheels off the ground and see if you can reproduce the noise, then watch the axles for any unusual vibrations. My guess is reproducing the noise with the front wheels off the ground is going to be tough since there's no load on any of the components.
The only other thing that hasn't been touched on is the limited slip differential that the manual transmission cars have. Has the oil in the transmission been checked? Most limited slip differentials require special additives (friction modifiers) but I don't know if this applies to the differential in the Maxima. I'm big on trying all the easy stuff first, replacing the oil in the transmission/differential/trans-axle is easy and cheap and it gives you a chance to see if there's any metal in the oil that would point to some type of internal failure. Check the lug nuts for both front wheels, move the tires to the back, look for something that might be wrapped around an axle and literally thumping on something underneath.
Last edited by slo-ryde; 04-11-2013 at 12:42 AM.
04-10-2013, 08:32 PM
#18
I listened to it some more this evening. Have decided that it is definitely on the passenger side, but still sounds like its very close to the firewall. And it seems to be getting worse by the day, which makes me think the cv is very much a possibility.
Trans fluid has not been checked, I do plan on changing the fluid when I go to my parents house in KY in May. I'll def be doing a lot of checking. I've got to get this figured out, it's drivin me nuts!
Trans fluid has not been checked, I do plan on changing the fluid when I go to my parents house in KY in May. I'll def be doing a lot of checking. I've got to get this figured out, it's drivin me nuts!
04-11-2013, 06:02 AM
#20
04-11-2013, 06:35 AM
#21
I did some quick math, at 27mph, a 225/55/17 tire (assuming this is what you have on your car) does 5.4 revolutions per second. The frequency sounds about right with the video, I'm counting about 5 or 6 clunks per second...
It's definitely downstream of the layshaft in your transmission. It may still be a problem with the transmission (output shaft bearings?) or CV joints... Dumb question, have you checked your wheel lug nuts? I had a clunk like this on my car too a while back, it was driving me nuts... turned out the lug nuts on my front passenger wheel were loose...
It's definitely downstream of the layshaft in your transmission. It may still be a problem with the transmission (output shaft bearings?) or CV joints... Dumb question, have you checked your wheel lug nuts? I had a clunk like this on my car too a while back, it was driving me nuts... turned out the lug nuts on my front passenger wheel were loose...
04-11-2013, 07:18 AM
#23
I hadn't really considered anything in the drive train, I guess maybe due to the main problems of pinging/knocking that many people have mentioned and I presumed I had the same issue.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
04-11-2013, 07:20 AM
#24
I listened to it some more this evening. Have decided that it is definitely on the passenger side, but still sounds like its very close to the firewall. And it seems to be getting worse by the day, which makes me think the cv is very much a possibility.
Trans fluid has not been checked, I do plan on changing the fluid when I go to my parents house in KY in May. I'll def be doing a lot of checking. I've got to get this figured out, it's drivin me nuts!
Trans fluid has not been checked, I do plan on changing the fluid when I go to my parents house in KY in May. I'll def be doing a lot of checking. I've got to get this figured out, it's drivin me nuts!
04-11-2013, 07:43 AM
#26
04-11-2013, 09:57 AM
#27
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Join Date: Feb 2002
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+1 on that.
04-11-2013, 10:40 AM
#28
04-11-2013, 10:42 AM
#29
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Northern California
Posts: 158
I always "hope for the best" but leave wiggle room "for the worst".
Last edited by slo-ryde; 04-11-2013 at 01:07 PM.
04-12-2013, 03:34 PM
#30
Was finally able to lift the car up tonight and take a look at it. Turns out there is some outward play in the passenger side axle. Guess when it would knock back and forth it was pretty much slamming back into the transmission which is why I could never really tell which side it was. Regardless, I hosed down the carrier bearing with WD40 and put a shot on the strut bolts, axle nut, and tie rod nut, and will be trying to round up an axle tonight here in town, although they seem pretty hard to come by, or ordering it offline somewhere.
04-12-2013, 04:23 PM
#32
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Location: Northern California
Posts: 158
This post resulted in a loss of 10 experience points!? I'm not sure how the experience points feature on this site works, don't even know who gives or takes them away. Thinking of giving all of my points away to a needy member!
Anyone know how the system works?
Anyone know how the system works?
04-13-2013, 04:33 PM
#34
Welp, back to the drawing board.
Replaced the passenger CV axle due to about 1/4" of outward play that made a clunking noise that sounded exactly like the sound I was hearing. But, well, that didnt work.I've checked the driver's side axle, and it seems to be tight and the boots in good shape.
Replaced the passenger CV axle due to about 1/4" of outward play that made a clunking noise that sounded exactly like the sound I was hearing. But, well, that didnt work.I've checked the driver's side axle, and it seems to be tight and the boots in good shape.
04-13-2013, 06:06 PM
#35
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Northern California
Posts: 158
Welp, back to the drawing board.
Replaced the passenger CV axle due to about 1/4" of outward play that made a clunking noise that sounded exactly like the sound I was hearing. But, well, that didnt work.I've checked the driver's side axle, and it seems to be tight and the boots in good shape.
Replaced the passenger CV axle due to about 1/4" of outward play that made a clunking noise that sounded exactly like the sound I was hearing. But, well, that didnt work.I've checked the driver's side axle, and it seems to be tight and the boots in good shape.
04-13-2013, 06:34 PM
#36
Not entirely sure, probably one of two...
Plan B.1 - May take it to a local mechanic that I trust to further diagnose/and repair if the price is less than what I want to fool with, because living in an apartment and being 6 hours away from your home garage isn't the best for repairs.
Plan B.2 - Wait until I get a notice about the airbag recall (being an 02, I assume it will), and have the dealership diagnose it, since one of the mechanics there may have seen the issue before. But since no one on here has had this, they may not.
I'm thinking my local guy first, just since his diagnosis will most likely be free, and his labor rates are much less than the dealer.
Plan B.1 - May take it to a local mechanic that I trust to further diagnose/and repair if the price is less than what I want to fool with, because living in an apartment and being 6 hours away from your home garage isn't the best for repairs.
Plan B.2 - Wait until I get a notice about the airbag recall (being an 02, I assume it will), and have the dealership diagnose it, since one of the mechanics there may have seen the issue before. But since no one on here has had this, they may not.
I'm thinking my local guy first, just since his diagnosis will most likely be free, and his labor rates are much less than the dealer.
04-13-2013, 07:25 PM
#37
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Northern California
Posts: 158
Not entirely sure, probably one of two...
Plan B.1 - May take it to a local mechanic that I trust to further diagnose/and repair if the price is less than what I want to fool with, because living in an apartment and being 6 hours away from your home garage isn't the best for repairs.
Plan B.2 - Wait until I get a notice about the airbag recall (being an 02, I assume it will), and have the dealership diagnose it, since one of the mechanics there may have seen the issue before. But since no one on here has had this, they may not.
I'm thinking my local guy first, just since his diagnosis will most likely be free, and his labor rates are much less than the dealer.
Plan B.1 - May take it to a local mechanic that I trust to further diagnose/and repair if the price is less than what I want to fool with, because living in an apartment and being 6 hours away from your home garage isn't the best for repairs.
Plan B.2 - Wait until I get a notice about the airbag recall (being an 02, I assume it will), and have the dealership diagnose it, since one of the mechanics there may have seen the issue before. But since no one on here has had this, they may not.
I'm thinking my local guy first, just since his diagnosis will most likely be free, and his labor rates are much less than the dealer.
04-15-2013, 08:18 AM
#38
have you checkout out the bearing in the axle mount (the axle mount that bolts up to the engine)? If that bearing was going bad and clunking (not sure how/why a bearing would clunk but...) it would be passenger side, right near the firewall, and if its 1 clunk per rotation it would be the right frequency.
04-15-2013, 05:31 PM
#39
have you checkout out the bearing in the axle mount (the axle mount that bolts up to the engine)? If that bearing was going bad and clunking (not sure how/why a bearing would clunk but...) it would be passenger side, right near the firewall, and if its 1 clunk per rotation it would be the right frequency.
04-15-2013, 05:40 PM
#40
I hadn't really considered anything in the drive train, I guess maybe due to the main problems of pinging/knocking that many people have mentioned and I presumed I had the same issue.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
As far as frequency, I havent heard it enough times in significantly different gears to give a valid answer. It sounds the same in 3 and 4, but does seem a bit slower in 1. In 6 @ 75mph, it doesnt sound fast enough to be in line with tire rotation. I may see if I can get under it and check out the CV's.
Your observations above shows that the sound changes according to which gear you are in. In other words, it's the tranny.
Why go to the dealership? Did they do something and guarrantee their work? If not, any work they do will cost you an arm, leg and your 1st born child.
Goto car-part.com, find a used tranny from a reliable source, the have an independent shop install it. Done.