My 2000 Maxima GLE has an RPM related rubbing sound emanating from the right front engine area. The sound is typically louder in colder temperatures. I took the car to the dealer (it has 114,000 miles) for a right front strut replacement and asked them to investigate the sound. Their solution was to replace the timing belt/chain which has not fixed the problem. Any ideas what this could be?

 

Rubbing sound? Could you explain more? Metal on metal sound.....?? Does it happen when in neutral?

Check your belts and pulleys

 

The sound is similar to that of a faulty speedometer cable in older vehicles. It is not metal on metal; it is apparent in both park and neutral however it is more pronounced in drive and increases in pitch with increased RPM's. The dealer replaced the timing belt/chain which did NOT solve the problem; they believe it is in the tension belt which is supposedly associated with the timing chain/belt. Their thoughts are that the part installed is faulty and are going to replace same. Now, $3020.00 later, my car is still running rough and loud. The sound also seems to be worse in colder temperatures.

 

They are robbing you.

 

Do you have any idea what the problem could be?

 

can u post a video or sound clip of this sound maybe shot with the hood open?

 

The dealer suggested I pick up the car today to drive because it will take 2 or 3 days to receive the part they "think" will fix the problem. Mind you they kept the car 1 week to repair what they thought was a "timing chain" problem. The service manager assured me he personally test drove my car and everything was repaired. After paying $3020.00 (also included replacing a right front strut they had replaced in May 07 and reattaching a harness assembly connection for the right front passenger window AND additional freight to have parts overnighted) I drove 100 yards to find the problem even worse than before. The dealer asked me to return the car last Monday and leave until they could "make it right" and repair my car as promised. Even though I'm out thousands of dollars and the inconvenience of multiple trips to their service dept., the dealer has made no effort to provide a car for me to drive or reimburse me rental fees. He suggested my husband and I car pool. They are promising to sit down & discuss the charges after the repairs are complete to see if I'm owed any money for unnecessary repairs. Translation: They're going to tell me it was a faulty tension belt & replacement of the timing belt was necessary. I won't know what part they install to complete the repair and if is is related to the timing chain or not. I think I'm screwed either way.

 

Tried recording the sound to no avail; the sound is apparent inside the vehicle while driving. It is not pronounced while the car is running and the engine exposed. We could feel some vibration on the right front bumper while revving the engine with the hood opened. Also at 1,000 RPM a chirping sound accompanied by a valve or something opening and closing.

 

They are not suppose to be able to charge you for something that they said would fix your problem... only to found out it is something else. The charges sound high, but is a dealership. With that amount of money tied up in this issue I would consult a lawyer if the dealerships keeps dragging you around. I can't remember details on the law but its like you taking you car to brake's done, and they put on new rotors, brake calipers, brake lines... charge you for that but still have worn brake shoes.

Is this a manual or auto tranny?

 

It is an automatic transmission.

 

ftr gle's are only available in auto.

OK, here's whaat you do, go to sears, spend $20 on an automotive stehescope, thing is the shiz, will help you source the sound, be careful when touching things like alternator, powersteering pump, belt tensioner (timing CHAIN tensioner is different and behind the timing cover, just sayin') because if you whack something moving things could go flying or at the least it WILL hurt your ears, ask me how I know this......

Don't bring it back, source the sound yourself and have another shop confirm and get in writing, skip the lawyer and file yourself in small claims for triple damages. It's probably something stupid like an alternator or a deteriorated harmonic balancer.

$3k!!!!! Geeeze Louise! I could have swapped a low mileage 3.5l in for that much

 

Ive had this issue too, its similar but maybe not the same, it was rpm related and had a humming type sound almost like gear meshing, it turned out to be the AC compressor. Keep in mind,if you use the defroster the compressor runs.

 

I am having a similar issue...getting a metal scraping on metal sound from the timing chain area when the RPMs get highest...goes away when the gear shifts...sounds worse in colder weather. I am pretty sure it is the timing chain hitting the timing chain cover. I think this might require a timing chain tensioner replacement...going to take it to the dealer sometime soon to see what they have to say...

 

Thanks everyone for your input!! The dealer called this afternoon to inform me that my 2000 GLE is fixed. It WAS NOT the timing chain or front strut. The strange rubbing sound from the timing chain area was a loose engine mount; the clunking sound in the right front end was not a strut but a bushing that needed to be replaced. They are refunding a portion of my money.