OK, I was replacing the radiator fan and when I was removing it I noticed that this half moon shaped hose behind the pressure sensor wasn't connected to anything, It appears that it has been disconnected for some time since the end was a little dirty. I've searched the forums for pictures of other engine bays, checked the repair manual but can't seem to find out what it is or if it connects too something. Any help?

 

It's a breather hose for the tranny. It's normal.

 

ahhh ok, I saw the other end and it looked like it was connected to the tranny but wasn't certain, Thanks for the quick reply.

 

plug it into your CAI.

 

 

Where? can you post a pic? I don't see any place on the CAI to plug it into

 

Don't plug it in anywhere. Keep it the way it is.

 

^^ correct. Breather hose, no worries.

 

the car equivalent of 'delete system 32'

 

?

 

i was just kidding. leave it loose.
it's normal from factory
sorry i thought u would get it.

 

System 32?

 

Maybe you should put a disclaimer on your posts. I actually understood, I just wanted to see if you actually posted anything.

 

Windows system files.

 

Ah, system32. The space makes all the difference.

Didn't even think about that, shows how long it's been since I've dealt with Windows...bleh.

 

i'll have to eventually make it up to you some other way

 

papasuede, why were you replacing the radiator fan? Was it making a tapping noise & causing vibration like I'm experiencing?

 

Not really a tapping noise, more of a grinding, high pitched whirrrrr/screech. There was a little vibration/play with the fan, but the bearings in the motor had gone bad on mine (2nd time) I replaced the other one over a year ago.

FYI, there was a bit of rust at the bottom of the fan behind the radiator on the support So maybe yours is rusted through and when it is running it is causing the assembly to vibrate and make that tapping sound.

 

Thanks for the info; I'll do a closer inspection soon. I was experiencing an intermittent vibration and thought it might've been the engine mounts or even a suspension problem. Then, I was sitting at a drive-thru waiting for my food when the car started to vibrate; thanks to the drive-thru/side-of-the-building, I could hear that the radiator fan had just activated and heard the tapping noise. As soon as the fan turned off, the vibration stopped.

And now that I think about it, I used to have a high-pitched whistle under the hood as well, but the dealer told me it was my belts. I always thought the sound came from the radiator area.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the new fan cost you?

 

I bought the whole OEM assembly with the 2 motors, fans and plastic housing from a salvage yard a while ago. I don't know the exact, but I'm sure I didn't pay much over $50.

 

I had to replace one of my fans a while back too. I also got the whole assembly. found it on ebay. no problems.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RADIA...Q5fAccessories

 

I took a closer look at the assembly and it seems what's giving me the problem is the fan on the right side (closest to battery). It appears the blades have some horizontal play (e.g., I can pull a top blade back and forward) while the one on the left is secure. To avoid replacing the whole assembly, is this something that just requires a new motor or just new blades? Doesn't look like the blades are damaged, just loose in some way.

 

Bump on replacing everything or just the right-side fan blade or just the right-side motor?

 

Since the blades are plastic resin, they could be cracked and causing the problem, or maybe the nut that holds them on is loose. You can replace the motor, blades, or the entire assembly. There bolts that hold the motor to the housing and then a nut that holds on the blade. You may save some $ doing it that way.

 

I feel so dumb; where are these bolts & nut at? All I see are the threads...are these the bolts? I guess my main question is, do I have to take out the whole fan assembly in order to get to the motors/blades? Are the bolts/nut visible with the fan assembly attached to the car?

On the "upside", I disconnected the right-side fan. Now the car doesn't vibrate & make noise. I guess if the left-side fan goes, then I'll worry.

 

Glad you stopped your noise for now but it sounds like the fun is just beginning.

Yes, you have to take the entire thing out to get to the bolts that hold the motor to the housing. The bolt heads and the nut that holds the blade on are facing the back of the radiator and there isn't enough room to do anything with it in the car.

Keep in mind, you will have to disconnect the air intake, the hose to the top of the radiator, the 2 bolts holding the radiator to the mounts and ...the part I forgot about the 2nd time ...a hose at the bottom of the housing.

This is the only way I was able to have enough room to pull the assembly out. Instead of draining the coolant I used two small towel's and stuffed them in the radiator and hose to keep the coolant from leaking all over the place. If you are quick you won't loose much. I would also suggest putting cardboard or something under the car to catch any other drips.

 

I now have to replace the fans...since I have overheating issues.

I was trying to take out the assembly & I stripped two of the bolts under the car! Now the cover is hanging as well as the bolt being stuck on the inside. Every time, it's something!

 

Not sure why you are taking bolts off under the car??? The only thing that holds the radiator on are the two at the top that hold the mounting bracket to the frame. The radiator just sits in a slot at the bottom

 

Looks like he's removing the splash shield, most likely to get off the lower rad hose.

 

Actually, it's cause I thought the bolts were on the bottom, lol. The reason why I thought this was cause it seems if I grab the top of the radiator I can push it back & forth, which led me to believe it was secured at the bottom. Guess my newbishness is showing.


Easier than it looks, huh? lol

Just for kicks I reconnected the loose/vibrating fan and wow that thing is super violent now; like 5x worse.

 

papasuede, thanks for the help; finally replaced the fan today. All (extraneous) noise/rattling & vibration is gone now. Job wasn't as bad as I thought either...just removed those two bolts, partially drained the radiator, disconnected upper hose, and pulled out the fan. Works perfectly now.

 

Please tell us where you purchased (how much) the replacement fan. I have the same issue.

 

eBay. Wasn't name brand or anything, but no problems after about 5 months. Got it for around $100 if you include shipping costs.

 

Got it thanks. Need to search for the fan, I have the left fan bad, away from the battery. It vibrates so much, noisy, vibration can be felt, feels like the engine is falling off.

 

You just bought the replacement fan right? How were you able to buy the right one, the fans are not the same. Thanks.

 

Don't know what you're getting at. I just grabbed the radiator fan (2 fans/motors w/shroud as a complete assembly) for an '02 Maxima.

For example, something like this.

In other words, I replaced both "fans".

 

Perfect, got it!

The whole fan assembly! One last question, were the connectors plug and play?

 

Yep. No incompatibilities encountered.

 

Alright! I will take down my radiator this weekend and see if I can repair the fan (I suspect the bolt is loose only). If busted, I will get the set from fleabay. At elast I will have done a practice on how to remove and replace the radiator.

Thanks.

 

Did take out the fan shroud last night and yes it is a bum motor on one of the fans. Will need to order the set from fleabay!

Thanks.