When the car is at idle you can hear some noise from the tranny that sounds to be metal rubbing against metal. When you step on the clutch, the sound goes away. What could this be? I had the same problem in my 3rd Gen, and the tranny blew out on me in about a year and a half. Don't know if that has anythign to do with it or not. Does anyone else has the same problem?


Thanks in advance

 

sounds like the countershaft bearings are bad,
kind of a common problem.
I just rebuilt one the other day for the same problem

 

in the process of replacing mine for the same reason... started off as a slight whine... then turned into a loud... grating noise... if PRT ever gets my order right... it will be fixed soon

 

Is this something I need to get fixed right away? or is it something could wait? Around how much would it be to fix.

 

There seems to be a problem with the 5 speed 4 gen. Maxima's transmissions. Namely 95-97ish models with around 60,000 miles on them. A common problem is the differential bearings have failed. Seems to be that Nissan/whoever built the tranny did not bother to properly shim the preload of the differential bearings. Tell tale signs of differential bearing failure include:

-leaking seals
-metal shavings in transmission fluid
-play in the CV axle where it enters the transmission
-grinding/whining noises when the car is in motion

You may also have the problem and not show any signs of it. My car did not show any of the above signs, until I opened my transmission for a different project and discovered it. Simply changing the seals is not the answer either, as they will just get stretched again.

The repair bill of this item is very expensive due to labor. Probabaly $800 to well over $1000 for labor charges, to change the $35 bearing(s). The transmission must be taken off the car and disassembled to service. If having somebody else do the service, BE SURE THEY PROPERLY SHIM THE NEW BEARINGS OR ELSE THE PROBLEM WILL CROP UP AGAIN!!! Many times the repair shop will just say "screw it" and not shim the new bearings. This is a great way to put a patch on the wound that will just break again.

"Can I do it myself?" Sure. Just prepared to remove and diassemble the transmission from the car. You will also need a precision dial gauge indicator to properly shim the bearings, a factory service manual, and you will need probably a week to wait for parts to come in. Definately not a job for the amature mechanic.

There is nothing you can do short of crossing your fingers to prevent this from happening, it is a manufacturing defect. Hopefully you will catch it before the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty is up.

**Info taken from the 4rth gen FAQ list***

My max has this same problem and I found this writeup really helpfull.
-Paul

 

I have a 98 5sp, does that make adifference? Could it be anything else making that noise? Do I need to get this fixed right away? Should I just get a clutch and flywheel and do it all at once.