Hey guys! im having this problem you see every morning when i begin to start up my car theres this weird rattling noise coming from my car near the front of the passenger side wheel im assuming it has something to do with the motor and yet once my car is fully warmed up the noise seems to disappear ive asked a few friends they think it may be the timing chain while others believe it may be the pulleys or lifters, any ideas as to what it may be? any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

Timing chain rattle..

 

how many miles do you have ?

 

97,xxx

 

any suggestions guys?

 

Some good info in here- http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ing-chain.html

 

Does it ONLY do it at start-up?
If so, have you checked out this thread?

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ml#post7798592

 

Does your oil light flicker too when it rattles?

 

I have a similar "rattle" from my Max on startup, but it doesn't sound like it's coming from the engine, it almost sounds like it's coming from the wheel well. I've noticed it's worse when it's really cold outside (I live in SoCal, so that means less than 60 degrees). I also noticed that if I turned on the key and waited for about 5 seconds before I started the car the "rattle" would not occur, or if it did, it would be much diminished. But, if I just stick the key in and immediately start it, the noise was louder and lasted a bit longer (maybe 2 seconds). It sounds a little like the starter is sticking.

 

Passenger side wheel well? if so, that is the noise we are talking about.
I mean, if you are not actually moving, the only source for noise would be the engine, right?

 

Correct on both accounts.

 

wow i read both those threads seems as though its a more common issue then i thought

 

Most Maximas are plagued by the timing chain rattle...

It's one of those, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" problems. It's pesky and annoying, but it doesn't affect performance.

I'm pretty sure Nissan released a TSB for it, but I'd imagine my car is well out of the warranty range.

 

Timing chain rattle can be cause by low oil pressure, which can be caused by low oil or a crappy oil filter. Get an oil change and use a high-quality oil filter (like Mobil).

 

If I remember correctly, the timing chain rattle on our cars (according to the TSB released by Nissan) is caused by a faulty timing sprocket.

I always check my oil at least once a week, and top off as needed. I also make sure I use high-quality filters (Bosch, Purolator, K&N, etc.) and still have the rattle...so I doubt that's the issue at hand.

 

Which makes me feel better about buying the middle-quality Frams at Walmart.

And yes, the warranty fix was to replace the faulty timing sprocket. There are two, but the fix only called for replacing the one that was noisy.

 

The only thing I'd be wary about with the Frams is that there's no anti drain-back valve in them, like some of the slightly more expensive filters have.

Honestly, picking up a Purolator filter over a Fram for a few dollars more is worth the peace of mind to me. But that's just personal preference. Of course, I also usually pick up whatever special Advance is running that month (some kind of 5 qts. oil + one premium filter deal). They usually run their sales on pretty good stuff. This month's sale was Castrol Syntec and a K&N oil filter for $30.

Yeah, I remember reading about that. Just another way for Nissan to cut their losses, because, as we all know, pulling a timing cover is no easy task. We're talking lots and lots of labor dollars lost.

 

As I stated in my earlier post, if I turn on the key, wait a few seconds, then start the car, I don't get the noise, or if I do, it is much diminished. I'm not sure I understand how just turning on the key would make the timing gear rattle change.

 

okay guys i sent my car to the mechanic after a day he announced that theres nothing wrong with the car so i started the car that morning with him right there and the sound came on i brought him over for him to hear it and he said in a matter of seconds of hearing it, "oh that? thats your power steering fluid you must be low" sure enough my power steering fluid was close to empty which i was aware of just never would have expected it would have caused that sound so now ever since i have had no noises!!

 

You will eventually need to find out where the power steering fluid went. It is a closed system and you should not be losing it. If the noise comes back, you need to start remedying it.

- Vikas

 

Point taken, thank you

 

I'll be checking this when I get home....wonder if I have a leaky hose somewhere?

 

usually its the upper high pressure hose. its on the passenger side close to the firewall covered in a foam cover. you need to peel the foam back to see the leak.