Solve the mysterious sound coming from my engine (a pissed off cat?)
#1
Solve the mysterious sound coming from my engine (a pissed off cat?)
Very interesting sound coming from my 89 Maxima engine -- it started instantly, nothing gradual about it. It's coming from the firewall side of my engine and gets louder with RPM increase (higher pitched too). I ruled out the alternator. I'm thinking either transmission related (although it does it in neutral) or power steering pump related (even though it doesn't get worse when I crank the wheel ). Anyone have any ideas what it could be? BTW, performance of the engine has not change whatsoever nor has the shifting changed (automatic). I have a 30 second, high quality mp3 recording of the sound if anyone wants to take a crack at it. Go here to listen:
http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine
Thanks in advance guys -- could really use your help here. I love this car and don't want to keep it going until 300K (currently at 220k with original engine and trans).
http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine
Thanks in advance guys -- could really use your help here. I love this car and don't want to keep it going until 300K (currently at 220k with original engine and trans).
Last edited by soundquest; 04-16-2008 at 12:12 AM. Reason: link add
#2
Upload to photobucket...
Diagnostics: Take belts out to tst the source. Belts: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23
Pur-chase a stethoscope (7$), peek around, listen.
Diagnostics: Take belts out to tst the source. Belts: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23
Pur-chase a stethoscope (7$), peek around, listen.
#3
Upload to photobucket...
Diagnostics: Take belts out to tst the source. Belts: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23
Pur-chase a stethoscope (7$), peek around, listen.
Diagnostics: Take belts out to tst the source. Belts: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23
Pur-chase a stethoscope (7$), peek around, listen.
http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine
Sound like the power steering pump to you?
#4
#5
Could be PS, but also idler bearings on the tensioners of any of the belts .................
Remove all 3 drive belts and see if noise is gone ............... if so then replace one at a time and find the noisy item - real easy and takes all of 2 minutes.
If the noise doesn't go away with the 3 belts removed you may have a cam-belt tensioner on its way out ............ way more serious and more involved to silence - also more imperative to address pronto
Remove all 3 drive belts and see if noise is gone ............... if so then replace one at a time and find the noisy item - real easy and takes all of 2 minutes.
If the noise doesn't go away with the 3 belts removed you may have a cam-belt tensioner on its way out ............ way more serious and more involved to silence - also more imperative to address pronto
#6
#7
#8
Sounds like your power steering fluid is low, or the p/s pump is bad. Check your fluid level, if low, replenish with dextronIII transmission fluid only, not regular p/s fluid.
If the fluid level is fine, then you most likely have a bad pump.
If the fluid level is fine, then you most likely have a bad pump.
#9
Excellent advice everyone. Next question...what is the quickest, easiest, safest way, to remove my power steering belt to rule out the PS pump? BTW, if you had trouble hearing the sound, click on the small triangle (play button) and it will engage. Here it is again (I swear it sounds like PS Pump problem): http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine
Thanks.
Thanks.
Last edited by soundquest; 04-16-2008 at 10:24 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jcof88
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
0
08-03-2015 10:43 PM