hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

Hey all, im having a bit of a problem trying to determine where this rattle noise is coming from in my engine bay, or WHAT IT IS. It sounds to be more defined to the left side near the accessory belts, and less defined near the intake area. Here is a clip to see if anyone can make some sense about it. Ive just hit about 100k miles on my 01, and its been doing this for close to a year. I hear it every morning just briefly, it sometimes will do it when its warm outside, and it doesn't make any noise while im accelerating, only shortly after startup AND IF I'm STOPPED. It doesn't matter which gear im in, it happens sometimes....and pretty randomly for the most part.

Here are a couple video clips to help show what im talking about

Here is what it sounds like on the outside:
Sound outside with engine bay open


Here is what it sounds like on the inside:
Sound Inside Cabin


Its beginning to drive me nuts, just PLEASE O PLEASE DON'T TELL ME IT SOUNDS LIKE A TIMING CHAIN.

AceofSpds

iTrader: (4)

Sounds like timing chain related, You can try to replace the tensioner. Pretty easy to get to.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

where would that be located? and does it require a tear down of the engine?

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

Ever consider the heat sheild? I would check that .... it may be an easy one. good luck.
I also have a rattle form the heat sheild and its a pretty similar noise and randomness as you described.

sparks03max

iTrader: (7)

Yeah I might look at the heat shields first, as well. It sounds like it only does it when the engine is vibrating alot (during startup/idle) so I'd look for that before going in.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

thanks for the insight...ill give that a whirl, im trying to find some cattman headers to go along with my cattman exhaust, because i have a small exhaust leak also.

Would the heat shields be right below the firewall?

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

any one have any more info?

GETukrainian

iTrader: (5)

same problem... but on a VQ35. I don't know what the hell it is but it also drives me mad, especially when you stop at a red light and than it randomly kicks on. It's kind of emberaassing cuz it's loud.

During my free oil change (I get free oil changes from the Nissan Dealer) I asked them what it is, they said it's my belts. Well, they changed it, and said the problem should be fixed. $100 later, and the problem still happens. So I'll tell you this much: It's not your accesory belts.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

lol, its driving me nuts as well. I dont even hear it when i stop at red lights...it literally "ONLY" happens when i first start my car SOMETIMES after its been off for 3 or more hours...But since last year, it does seem to be more defined..EH, maybe its because i notice it ALL THE TIME NOW, ya kno? lol

Im going to check out the heat shields or something later on either this weekend on next weekend...Gotta postpone it for the most part due to the end of semester...(ya kno, exams, projects and papers due)

OOmaxSE

iTrader: (19)

Are you auto or manual? This might be way off but could it be the electronic motor mounts that the auto's have? Also, what happens when you rev the motor? Does the sound pulse any quicker?

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

sounds like bearing stuff has gone.

Froggmann

iTrader: (6)

Are you talking about the bearing coating? The Babbit?


Tell me this is this sound more noticeable on the bottom of the engine or the top?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

so...there are 3 active threads about the same problem

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

Well if your talking about my noise...it sounds more noticeable from the passenger side wheel well, or passenger side bottom.

Im an automatic, When i rev the motor it goes away all together, but comes back "sometimes" when parked or at a standstill

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

cmon man, at what point are you going to offer a solution. You claim there is 3 active threads about the same problem, you don't even know what my problem is...or as far as im concerned you DONT know what my problem is, because you haven't come forth with a solution, nor pointed me toward the post where a "potential" solution can be found. Out of all the threads ive seen you post in recently, the only thing you've offered is negative and worthless information, with the exception of maybe 1 or 2...........Why is that?

AceofSpds

iTrader: (4)

I answered the thread in post 2

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

AND I THANK YOU for that.....So has this happened to you before?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

it was answered in post 2...and that is the same answer i posted in the other threads.

so i guess i do know what your problem is

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

But in the other thread the sound is different than the one that i hear...I listened to the guys audio clip in the other thread like 5 times, and it most definitely sounds different. Its not giving off that distinctive timing chain clicking noise at startup..Its more like a "raggedy vibration" (if you get my notion, lol)

AceofSpds

iTrader: (4)

mine sounds similar to yours, just not quite that loud, when i changed my water pump (doing so you take out your timing chain tensioner) i noticed that it "sticks" and it probably needs to be changed when i start working again. I know the noise from my car is definatly timing chain rattle. You can only hear it around where the timing chain runs and it isnt coming from the bottom end or valve train.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

OK THANKS!..now my question, is would the engine need to be dismantled to change the timing chain tensioner???? In other words, i wont be doing the labor, WILL IT BE AN ARM AND LEG?

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

have you gotten around to checking the heat shield? Definately check that prior to anything else, it may to save you time/money.

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

I've read threads of changing the tensioner which are not difficult but kinda pita to reach.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

nope haven't gotten around to jacking up the car and sliding up under it.... been busy with the end of the semester and what not...so ill be doing it next week after finals

Matt6speed

my car makes a noise at like 3000-3500 rpms when you let off the gas. Sounds like nissan timing chain slap to me, used to happen on my 240sx.

Anyone have similar problems?

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

wow, that doesn't happen to me at ALL.....I keep getting Timing chain or tensioner from every one also

scarface4522

iTrader: (33)

i use to have the same exact sound, it was very annoying, mine was the heat shield, so that definitely mite be ur problem 2

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

something loose on the exhaust

Matt6speed

Which heat shield was it for you? The wierd thing is its not there all the time :S

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

I had my family mechanic listen to it, and he said the exact same thing, so Ill probably get that done when i do my exhaust in the next couple months

StillenMax80x20

iTrader: (3)

i think the tensioner has more like a squealing sound when it goes. Maybe it can make other noises as well. My tensioner was easy to replace on my 4th gen, remove front pass wheel, peel back some plastic guards, loosen the bolt, then at the top release the tension, then go back to the bolt on the side and totally remove it. Might have forgotten some other key steps but i read a manual and easily did this.

boris

Stealership rates this job on 5.5th gen max around $1500 USA

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

DAMN...i guess thats one reason why we call them STEALERSHIPS....talk about a complete RIP OFF!

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

here we go with the service department bashing

hapgilmore

I have the same rattling chain issue, and am going to replace the tensioner myself.

Has anyone done this themselves?
Do you really need to remove the entire chain cover or can you reach it through the small access cover?

I'm planning on making a How-To post, if a moderator will give me permissions. I'd rather not make another 14 replies to random threads to get posting permissions.

oc_wicked

what u described sounds exactly like what i was hearing in my car except i have a 4th gen and i also though it was my tensioner so i put up with it for like 1 month until my alternator went out so i replaced it and to my surprise when i turned my car on it was so smooth and quiet like i never heard it b4 so all that time it was my alternator even though there was no sign of it going out. JUST A THOUGHT might be ur alternator bearing too thats what was messed up on mine!!!!

dougmaxA33

Hello fellow Maxima drivers. the noisy problem i have is after the engine has warmed up for a few minutes. I took off all of the acessory belts hoping it was one of them, no luck. F--K. The sound is coming from the timing chain cover somewhere. I was told the tensioner guides can break inside, but not a Tom Cruise mission to fix. It depends how empty you want your wallet to be. Personally, being charged 150$ to replace the M.A.F not including the part dumbfounding.

Montego Murph

iTrader: (1)

Just another point of view... check out this thread:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...le-inside.html