Hey guys need ya opinion on this. Back in January i had to replace my tranny in the o4 max and shortly after that heard a rattling sound, coming from front area. My first thought was something loose and took it back to the dealer and they couldnt hear nothing when tested. I took it back second time and the told me its the timing chain but the weird thing is it sounds like its coming from left front, i had three other small shops look at it 2 of them said sound coming from tranny but i took it to aamco and they checked it good and they told me sound coming from engine which would be the timing chain i guess. It only makes this sound when i'm going over 20mph and recently i was on highway and heard it rattling at 60. Going back to stealership this morning, i read alot about this but alot of people seem to have a whining sound, but mines is more of a rattle. Please help with any advise.

 

I recently had my timing chain worked on. Does it make the sound all the time or only when you're moving?
Does it make the sound when you first start the car? Rev the engine? Or only when you put it in gear and are driving?
If it's the timing chain, the sound should be coming from the passenger side area.

If it's the chain, it shouldn't have to be in gear for the rattling sound to be heard. My chain would rattle sometimes, and other times it wouldn't. However as time went on it rattled more and finally it was all the time. When I had it worked on, I had them replace the water pump while they were in there.

 

It only rattles when in drive about 20 to 40mph and recently it did it at about 60mph on highway. I think it's the tranny with this rattling because i hear it on the left side but like i said aamco said noise appears to be coming from engine and not tranny cover idk. My car is currently at stealership and i'm waiting on there call

 

How much is it to replace the timing chain in a 04 max? Was told about $800-$1000

 

yeah me too, i would like to know the cost.

 

call the dealership and ask?

 

The dealership replaced mine on an 04 SL in July. Cost in GA is $2500+. They had the car a couple of days.

 

Its not a chain issue. Its a tensioner issue. Common on 04 between 60k and 100k. They used a chain that had sharp edges and wears down the shoe on the tensioner creating slack. I replaced mine through a friend and chains (primary and 2 secondary), and shoes cost about $150. If the chain made it to the piston on the tensioner you have to replace those also. Total on parts is about $350. Average cost on labor is around $1200 depending on who does it. DO NOT LET SOMEONE ONLY REPLACE CHAIN!

 

Yeah, if you do the tensioner do the entire setup.

 

Could I easily mistake a timing chain sound for a lifter tick? Researching everything I can do and this is something I want to prevent.

80k on her now

 

When I start up cold, mine timing chain will rattle, also when letting off throttle... And I know I need a timing chain kit lol

 

My max is currently in the shop for this same reason. $1100 including parts at local mechanic. Having them replace everything dealing with the tensioners.

 

sheet man, that much?

 

yeah man, its the labor hours that make the price so high. Compared to some of the other prices that I have seen people quoted for like $2400 im pretty content with $1100.

The issue i thought was the timing chains and tensioners making the rattling noise turned out to be bad alternator bearings. Bill is 600 less than quoted (even though they opened the timing cover to check). Replaced alternator and she quiet as when i first bought her (back in 07).