Well, for a little while now my max had been making a slight noise that could only be heard when slowly accelerating in first gear, radio off. I've paid little attention to it. But in just the past few days the noise has been getting worse. The noise is kinda like a ticking/rattling noise from the engine bay. The noise is faint when the car is idling and in neutral. When I push the clutch in the noise goes away. The noise becomes louder and faster when I accelerate through the gears. WHen the car is cold the noise is even worse there is is moaning/whirring sound. I've done enough research on these boards and the internet lately and I'm pretty sure it is the infamous differential carrier bearing problem. After all, the car is a 96 and it has 86k.

There is however no oil leaking at the cv joints, they look fine. The only sympton is the ever increasing noise. To those who have already experienced the tranny failure, did you have the same noise? ANyone think it could be something different?

Anyway, since my money is already bet on it being the differential problem, I'm setting up an appointment with trusted mechanic. How easily can he diagnose this problem for sure. Is there Anything I can tell him to look for? Also how long of a job is this for a mechanic? He charges 45 bucks an hour so I wanted to see about how much this is gonna cost. Probably quite a few hours. And I have to tell him about the SHIMS right? The SHIMS ARE IMPORTANT RIGHT?? Ahgggg!

Sorry for the length and Thanks for any help
Josh

 

I was also wondering if it could be the timing chain. I know some maximas have had timing chain problems but I don't know too much about it. However I previously owned a 1990 240sx and that had a timing chain problem. It would rattle like hell when starting it up.

My maxima makes a noise when starting it up but only when it is really cold (sitting overnight in near zero temps). The noise isnt a rattle though, more like a "zzzzttt zzzztttt" sound. But if the timing chain WAS loose wouldn't it be making a ticking sound at idle and then get worse as I accelerated like I'm experiencing? Why would the sound go away with the clutch in though? Any thoughts???

I'm clueless...need help!

Josh