Hey guys, I'm back to ask of your opinions. I just started to notice this noise while driving and while I was starting the car to let it warm up for an oil change, I really noticed it (I was hearing something else in addition to my exhaust). Anyway, it's been bothering me and I feel it's gotten worse, so I took a crappy video of it with my cell phone. The audio is the important part, but for reference, the noise if definitely coming from the left side of the engine as you stand in front of the car. I am 99 percent sure it's coming from a pulley or a belt, but I wanted to know what you guys thought before I go in there or even take it to my mechanic friend.

Thanks,
Bobby

Here's the vid:

View My Video

P.S. I've also noticed that it does come and go. You can hear it in the movie about 3/4 of the way through the noise subsides, but comes back after a few seconds. The sound is similar to a nut rattling around in a container at a hyperactive speed, but I don't believe it's a rod of any sort.

 

does it sound like chain rattling or something...?coz u said the left side of the motor if ur standin in front of it...

 

yeah it's also like a chain sound i suppose. And yes, it's the left side (the side where the washer fluid reservoir is located) down in that crevace.

This might be a noob question...but 98's don't come with chains right? It's rubber belts, correct?

 

yeah its definately the chain rattle..... i have the same noise on my 98 but it goes away when i get fresh oil put in it.... i am gonna do the chain guide over the weekend,....

 

no all the vqs came with the chain which is good that u dont have to worry about replaceing the belts but that chain rattling could create alot of problems too if u dont get it fixed asap.... i would not suggest u to drive it all the the time till u get it fixed..

 

+1 on the chain .

 

Definitely a chain...even Midas will fix that.

 

well thanks for that help. my next question is if I can manually tighten it or does it have to be changed. If it can be tightened, can I do it without a lift??

 

You need to go to a Nissan dealership and buy yourself a timing chain TENSIONER. That part will actually tighten up the timing chain itself by pushing on it in order to wrap it around the intake and exhaust sprockets tighter. The kit usually includes a tensioner guide, but the guide is not necessary to fix the noise that you are talking about. The tensioner itself can be fixed using a small black access panel on the outer timing case. Search and you shall seek. Hope I helped.

 

thanks everyone, and i appreciate your guidance maximabebe. you guya are great...