bytor

Hello...
I have a 1997 SE with new tires. The ride is nice and quiet until I reach highway speeds (120-130 km/h, 75-80 mph), then it sounds like the engine is ..well..just plain working too hard! Basically it sounds like I have a hole in the exhaust system, but it was inspected last week and they only found a tiny opening near the rear at a junction. Is this normal on a Maxima? I've only had it a few months and it seems to have been this way since day one.

Thanks!!

justmax

No that's not normal... two things:

1. Are you using 5th gear?
2. Go get that hole fixed and see if the noise goes away.

bytor

I am using the O/D (it's an automatic), but that is almost what it sounds like, as if it was in the wrong gear. I also notice that when I let up on the gas, it goes away, so I've ruled out the tires. I'll get a quote on getting the exhaust repaired, think I should go get it done at the dealer?.

Thanks for the reply!

Cheers

justmax

Good lord, no, don't go to the dealer for something as simple as that!!!

Take it to a muffler shop, they should be able to patch it quick & cheap.

optimus310

iTrader: (1)

what's the RPM of your engine at that speed?

Lime

ditto.

exhaust leaks are scary things.

bytor

I had thought of posting that...the engine runs in the 2500 RPM range at that speed, which seems normal enough..

do you think?

Cheers!

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Right around that sweet spot, I begin to "hear" my engine also.

bytor

What does it sound like?...at first I thought it was the tires being loud, it's that kind of sound on mine.

I mean, if this is normal, then fine, but if it's not, I'd really like to address it.

MacGyver265

Does the sound have any other relationships? For instance, increasing pitch with vehicle speed, or engine speed, or increasing loudness with either one of these. If you take O/D off, does it stop or change?

The RPM range seems normal for that speed, its definitely in O/D at that point.

Another question, is there a difference of RPM if you step on the gas or let up after you reach a steady speed? If so, then the torque converter isn't locking up, but that shouldn't harm anything except your fuel economy.

Any other work done to your car? Any bottoming out on speed bumps? I'm just trying to think of everything I can here.

bytor

The noise is actually not noticeable until I hit about 120 kph. At that point it kicks in. It stays as long as I have my foot on the gas, but if i let up to coast or drop speed, then it fades away. I haven't looked at the Tach. to see what the RPMs do at that point, but rest assured I will. I haven't really noticed if it gets louder if I go faster then 130, but I'll try it on the way home. it seems as though the effort required to keep the car at or above 120 is whats causing the noise, at least thats what it sounds like.
No other work on the car, it rides beautifully most of the time.

Thanks for your effort here, it is appreciated.

Cheers!