My 2000 Maxima (auto transmission, nearly 20k miles only) recently start to generate a about 3 second loud noises like a bird under the hood when the engine is turned on/off and when the car starts/stops during the driving.

Dealer told me it's caused by bad motor mounts, which are not covered by warranty if it's older than 3 years, and I need to spend $7xx dollars to replace the 2 motor mounts.

I consulted two independent auto shop. One of them told me that motor mounts should be good within 60k mileage,it's not likely it's the cause for this noise. They both told me nothing wrong and the sound should be normal.

However, dealer service counter and the two independent shops all told me it's safe to drive.

I still don't feel very comfortable, I don't know car so I cannot fix it or find a reason by myself. I did oid change about every 5000 miles. That's what I've been doing with this car.

Does anyone has the experience on this noise? What is it really is ? How to get rid of it? Is it really safe to consider it normal?

Thanks a lot,
WJ

 

I just found another maxima owner reporting the same problem in the news group... which is dated on year 2000, is it possible that motor mounts got broken in one year? There's no follow up to give an answer in that thread.

Appreciate anyone who share this experience of what it is and how to fix it.

Thanks.



>From: MlrGenDft
>Subject: 2000 SE help...

>Newsgroups: alt.autos.nissan.maxima
>Date: 2000-10-29 09:36:51 PST

>The past few days I have noticed a squealing kind of noise from >within the engine compartment. It is happening intermitenly when >the car is running and most noticable after the car is turned off. It >will do it everytime I start and stop the car. The squeal is about 5 >seconds in duration, and is kind of a whiring noise as if the car was >adjust it self in some way. (like the car wasleveling itself)