I noticed my engine giving off a loud rattle since last night, it sounds like it's coming from the alternator belt and the vibration can be felt over the plastic facia and the manifold (pipes on top of the facia). Do you guys think the belts are worn and need to be replaced (my guess) of am I running on a broken valve (say it isn't so!)

-Dexter

 

sounds like the timing chain- visit the Sticky on this forum under 4th gens

 

You may want to check your belt tensioner

 

wtf?! i thought that thing never needed to be changed.

-Dexter

 

is there info on that on the stickies or do I need to check with HAYNES or CHILTON (i have both cuz i figured one would have something the other wouldn't)?

-Dexter

 

no the timing chain would never need to be adjusted- never said it wouldnt need to be replaced someday

 

While timing chain failure is pretty rare, the timing chain tensioner does go bad from time to time. I always like to check the cheapest preblem 1st. This is why I recomended the belt tensioner assymbly. I thought my chain tensioner was bad but the guys at the NIssan dealer looked at it and told me to replace the tensioner and even told me how to do it. Also if you've recently done any alternator work check to make sure the alternator is secured. I've seen that one cause rattles too.

Todd

TOdd

 

king hit it on the head....

 

yeah I had the alternator replaced but that was over 6 months ago, and the rattle just now started to act up.

-Dexter

 

you must enjoy some pretty nice dealerships in KY but here in NAPTOWN taking a car to a mechanic/dealership is a Nightmare.

-Dexter

 

Yah it's a little small nissan dealer. Anyhow I had PepBoys do an alternator install and I later founr out that the alternator was getting ready to fall off. they didn't bolt it back up properly. It was making a noise. Follow the path of the drive belts. Find the Belt tensioner. CAREFULLY use some sort of a listening device and check the belt tensioner, alternator and other parts. Once you locate the location you are one step closer to the cause.

 

I place the key to fell vibrations, my theory is that the problem must come from where the vibration is strongest. I'm starting to belive it is the tensioner belt Where can I buy a GOOD tensioner belt assembly AutoZone? NAPA? etc.

-Dexter

 

the link is broken

-Dexter

 

The MAX is scheduled for surgurey this friday, I'm pretty sure it's the tensioner the sticky helped a little bit and I'm doing research on it in the Service Manuals. I'll keep you updated if I need any help along the way.

-Dexter