wtf i have this rattle too and i dont think it's lack of oil...i changed the oil and still had it (the noise)...

 

Me too... even after oil changes the timing rattle still exists.. i guess the damage already has been done to the motor. Thank god for ASP warranty

 

ok now youre scaring me... i have to get that VTC sprocket tsb done so i'm gonna complain about this rattle to them and see what they say about the oil consumption thing... btw, if i have the sprocket issue w/ cold starts could that at all be the culprit when i'm driving normally?

 

I have that rattle for sure, I thought it was because I had my timing turned up though. So replacing that tensioner bar is or is not the fix?

 

Well i dont think mine is timing chain rattle anymore. I just had a new motor installed (with the energy suspension bushings), and i still get rattling.

I think it may be the pre-cat.

 

My '03 with a little over 50K miles is starting to rattle between the 2000 and 3000 RPMs....its just enough to **** me off and wonder wtf is going on. I have the extended warrenty and am definately tempted to use it on this problem. My question is do I still have to pay for the diagnostic fee since I have the warrenty?...I know I have a deductable, but that is only used if I choose to get the work done right? Also, I change my own oil with conventional Castrol GT-X every 3k miles and use Mobile M-105 oil filter. I havent noticed any excessive oil buring, but will check it before taking it to the dealership.

 

^^ i don't think it's an oil issue. i too use GTX and change religiously...

 

I had the same problem with no loss of oil in 5k miles. Added a catch can to the PCV...rattle gone.

 

I dont think it has anything to do with the oil either. Im interested in what my dealership would say about it....Any other experiences on this matter?...anyone?

 

i'm also standing by on an educated/experienced comment. i have to get a TSB done sooner or later and would like to have this issue addressed at that time. i'd like to have some knowledge about the possibilities before i go in there and tell the mech's what to do

 

I've got a 2002 maxima se auto, same rattle noise. Only happens between 2,000 to 3,000 rpm when you are applying slight pressure to the accelerator. I started to think it was the timing chain and everyone I consulted told me it was my engine pinging.

So I drop two tanks of Shell's V-Power.. The rattle decreased slightly!!!, but was still present. Timing chain I told them. Sigh.

-edit- So is there a final be all end all answer to this mysterious rattle noise?

 

so what is it!?! we all have the same issue

 

Any updates on what is causing this rattle?....

 

I wish I was gifted enough to just remove / replace the timing chain junk and see if the noise goes away. I'm still pointing my finger at the timing chain for the 1.5 to 3.5 RPM rattle/sputtering noise.

 

I joined the forum back when I had my '00 3.0L GLE A/T in 2009. I didn't know how to "work" this site, but now that I have '03 3.5L SE M/T (and I TOO am having rattLing and oiL burning issues) I needed to consuLt with others who are in my same position...
I'm gLad I did!
I found this thread HIGHLY informative.
I Look fwd to ALWAYS checking in with my MAXIMA brothers!!!

 

holy bump...


but good you searched