bkmshoota

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum, so please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong section.
I have an '04 Maxima and am currently having an issue with engine grinding.
I've seen quite a bit of similar threads but none that really match up with mine.

Here are some scenarios where the grinding is quite noticeable:
- Starting the car when it's cold - it'll grind until it warms up
- Turning - any kind of turning, hot or cold, makes it grind quite loudly (amplifies it almost)
- Slowly accelerating from a stop - before it reaches 3rd gear

I've also noticed it leaks quite a bit. It's hard to identify if it is simply AC run off, oil or some kind other fluid. I'm not a mechanic so my knowledge is limited.

Thanks for taking a read.



Brock

TDGrant

Brock,

If you can, upload some pics of where the (1) leaking and (2) noise is coming from. That will narrow down the possibilities.

bkmshoota

Hey,

Thanks for the reply.

I've identified the leak as coming from the oil pan so I am going to have that replaced.
Also, I have not identified where the noise is coming from exactly, however, it is much louder when you head over to the right (passenger) side of the engine.

Hopefully this helps @TDGrant

TDGrant

Passenger side...I suspect it is the timing chains, which is not an easy fix.
Get the techs to take a look when you get the oil pan repaired.

TDGrant

And have that, i.e., the noise, diagnosed first, for the oil pan comes off when you do the timings chains. No sense in paying for that labour twice.

bkmshoota

@TDGrant

So, I've taken the car to have some work done as it needed some control arms. They replaced the oil pan - but mentioned another leak somewhere in the power steering.
I'm not well-versed in this area, but a leak - low fluid - would explain some of the grinding when turning. Could this also explain the grinding when stationery (specifically when starting from cold)?

My best description of the type of grinding is a supercharger-like whine with some metal scrapping. Yeah, that's accurate LOL.

TDGrant

Yes, the pump will certainly scream at you when you turn and it is low on fluid. Don't do it too may times. The power steering pump is like a cat; it has only so many lives.

Find leak, fix leak, and replace the power steering fluid. The fluid is probably old (> 5 years), the additive package has deteriorated, so it is of no value anymore.