Wassup fellaz, Decided to get help on all three of my most prudent issues with the max. I have a 96 Maxima Auto with 180k.

Engine Noise: Once I start the max and have it sit, it would sound like a lawn mower or a muffled chubakka (lol) most of the time. I notice the sound is more prominent inside than it is trying to listen for it from the outside. I believe it is near the firewall towards the cabin. Noise happens in increments, going for ~4secs-1sec pause-~4secs again. Idle stays the same. I noticed after driving a while it disappears. I cleaned my EGR, TB, IACV recently thinking it would fix it, but nope...it doesn't. Does the KS have anything to do with engine noise? mine has been shot for awhile so I'm replacing it soon. Any ideas?

Rough Idle: Recently, I noticed the max idling rough as hell at stoplights. There is another thread about this issue, but it's a diff. year and no clear solution in it. I would sit there and feel my car shaking, and the idling fluctuating up and down, getting low almost to the point that the max would cut off (hasn't done it..YET). This problem started happening after I did my EGR, TB, IACV cleaning so I guess it is something relative to something I did that day...even though everything seems to be back into place?

Rear Clunking: The biggest annoyance of them all. Recently replaced my Shocks/struts with Gabriel Ultras. They didn't have the coilovers with them so I stuck with the OEMs. All was fine for a while it seemed, until a clunking noise started happening every time I hit a bump. Seems to come from the passenger side rear or middle. The sound is similar to if metal was rattling around in your trunk (wish that was the case). If the clunk was in the front I would have some type of idea on the culprit from previous threads, but mine happens to be in the rear and I am clueless. I checked earlier today and nothing stood out. My knowledge is pretty weak when it comes to suspension in general compared to you guys so I definitely need help finding a way to make everything noiseless and a smooth ride like before. How are RSBs?

Thankz

 

Engine Noise:
Can you record it and post a link to the file?

Rear Clunk:
Remove the rear shock and check the assembly, make sure the bushings are isolating the shock's shaft from the upper mount where it passes through. The nubs on the two bushings must face each other on top and below the mount. Also make sure your assembly order is correct and the nut on the shock shaft is completely tight.

 

Mine was recently doing the same exact thing and it ended up being a bad coil pack that was causing a misfire.

 

I would start with replacing the hardware on rear brake pads. I had a rattle for a very long time in the rear of the car and it ended up being worn brake hardware, no rattles since i changed them.

 

Rough idle sounds like it could be a loose vacuum line.

 

Chewbaca sound from Star Wars? How's your power steering fluid levels?

 

If the muffler/exhaust portions or heat shields are heavily rusted and dangling, they may make that rattling noise ... I had that problem and it's all solved now ... got everything welded in position along with a new rear muffler.

 

I tried to record the sound but it wouldn't pick up good enough. It a distinct lawn mover type sound enough to where it had my gf ask me whats that? while waiting at a light lol

I checked my assembly and everything looks fine...(I believe)

 

I checked my coil packs and each seem to be working fine.

 

I noticed I was able to move my rotor somewhat in the rear passenger side, so I am guessing it is loose? the others seem to be more snug. I tried to find a screw or something to tighten everything up, but no luck.

 

I haven't checked it hmmm....I know it hasn't been changed since having that car. My steering seemed fine so I didn't think they could be related. I guess I will replace the fluid in it.

 

My muffler and exhaust are rusted badly and chipping away. No openings. Even though it is rusted, everything seems to be pretty sturdy back there...ill check again to make sure. thanks

 

Check the fluid LEVEL. It could be low. When it's low and you turn the steering, it sounds like Chewbaca is under the hood

DW

 

Could also be a bad injector. They will stop working which results in rough idle and acceleration. They will then work OK again for awhile and then act up again.

If it's acting up, just check each injector by placing a wooden dowel on each injector and listen at the other end. You should hear clicking sounds very easily. You can do this for nos. 1, 2, 4, & 6. The other two are under the intake manifold.