View Poll Results: Do or have you had an engine knock in park at warm idle on your 2009-13 Maxima
Voters: 239. You may not vote on this poll
Buyer Beware, 2009 - 2013 Factory Bearing Problems
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 132
From: TN
It's a G37... so it is a 3.7 liter as opposed to our 3.5 liter engine. Some have said it is made on the same assembly lines as the Maxima's engine... though I don't know this to be true. Being that the G37 engine is of larger displacement, I would think they would have different bearings/cranks than the Maxima.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
The original TSB repair on my 2012 SV was just the bearing. I am out of town so I asked my wife to drop the car off at the dealer. They did give her a loaner. The ycalled me back late in the day to say that they couldn't hear any knock. I told them to keep trying. It's not like the knock will go away. If it comes to it, I'll get the car when I get home in 8 days and drive until I hear the knock and take it back to them. Just wasting my time. I will be looking to get another car no matter what happens.
This is odd, 2 guys have the knock repaired using different methods, the knock comes back and now neither dealer ( who heard the original knock) claims to hear the new knock
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
The motor in the 7th Gen ( actually 2002 -present) Maxima is the VQ35DE
This engine is used in many Nissans and also the G35 from 2003 - 2006, 2007 for the coupe
The motor has won awards over the years, a long the way something must have changed. If it effects any other cars besides the 7th Gen Max I have no idea
The engine is made in Tenn and Japan, since the Infiniti is assembled in Japan I would guess those motors are made there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_VQ_engine
Last edited by 13Maximasv; Nov 13, 2013 at 07:40 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 491
From: SoCal
Took my car for an Oil change on Monday and they kept my car since monday. They said something was leaking in the engine(warranty covered). IDK if this is the problem but up to this point the Max had not given me any problems.
Got the call today that its ready. Picking it up Tomorrow and will report on the findings. Guna try and talk to the dealer about some kind of extended warranty.
Got the call today that its ready. Picking it up Tomorrow and will report on the findings. Guna try and talk to the dealer about some kind of extended warranty.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 545
From: Mass.
Checking in:
At start up (warm or cold), there is some initial knocking for about 5 seconds typical until the oil has flowed to all the parts. I am following the 3750 mile oil change interval, have my oil changed at the dealership which uses Valvoline conventional, and a ???? filter. (I try to remember to ask next time.)
At warm idle, there is not any "knocking", only ticking like a clock. Those that have/had a 4th gen know what I am talking about.
After about an hour or so in mostly stop and go rush-hour traffic, my engine gets really noisy, something like perhaps a whirrrrring noise. Something like a loud idle. This does not happen during the initial engine run, but only starts after I stop at some place to run an errand, (less than 30 minutes typical) and come back to start it a second time. It usually goes away after I place it in drive, or about a mile or so. I do not believe it is the cooling fan, it sounds different than that.
This sound usually does not happen after I am driving in normal flowing (normal is relative, so I suppose speed-limit traffic and few congestion areas) traffic for any amount of time, if I remember correctly.
I will continue to monitor and get a recording sometime.
At start up (warm or cold), there is some initial knocking for about 5 seconds typical until the oil has flowed to all the parts. I am following the 3750 mile oil change interval, have my oil changed at the dealership which uses Valvoline conventional, and a ???? filter. (I try to remember to ask next time.)
At warm idle, there is not any "knocking", only ticking like a clock. Those that have/had a 4th gen know what I am talking about.
After about an hour or so in mostly stop and go rush-hour traffic, my engine gets really noisy, something like perhaps a whirrrrring noise. Something like a loud idle. This does not happen during the initial engine run, but only starts after I stop at some place to run an errand, (less than 30 minutes typical) and come back to start it a second time. It usually goes away after I place it in drive, or about a mile or so. I do not believe it is the cooling fan, it sounds different than that.
This sound usually does not happen after I am driving in normal flowing (normal is relative, so I suppose speed-limit traffic and few congestion areas) traffic for any amount of time, if I remember correctly.
I will continue to monitor and get a recording sometime.
Yeah I made a video too (ill upload later) It sounds exactly like that
They said it was my splash guard. They gave me more bs about me having HID Lights and painted rimz etc etc. Does having the TSB make them change it even tho they think doesnt have that problem? For example if a tech kept saying no? who would I tell he has too? his the professional and im just a customer :/
They said it was my splash guard. They gave me more bs about me having HID Lights and painted rimz etc etc. Does having the TSB make them change it even tho they think doesnt have that problem? For example if a tech kept saying no? who would I tell he has too? his the professional and im just a customer :/
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
Took my car for an Oil change on Monday and they kept my car since monday. They said something was leaking in the engine(warranty covered). IDK if this is the problem but up to this point the Max had not given me any problems.
Got the call today that its ready. Picking it up Tomorrow and will report on the findings. Guna try and talk to the dealer about some kind of extended warranty.
Got the call today that its ready. Picking it up Tomorrow and will report on the findings. Guna try and talk to the dealer about some kind of extended warranty.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 61
From: FORT DRUM NY / BRIDGEPORT CT
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 545
From: Mass.
Yup, found those videos posted by ricknyce (Post #21) and reposted by Max2013 (Post #41) and 13MaximaSV (Post #139).
Also, listened to Maximam's video (Post#46).
Thanks for uploading.
I wanted to see if there was any variation in the engine noise amongst other users. To my ear, there is a very BIG difference between Rick's video (warm idle) and Maximam's video.
I will post my cold idle and warm idle videos tomorrow. Mine DOES NOT sound like Rick's videos, but I'm UNSURE if there is a knock occurring in my engine.
I have NOT checked my engine noise with the car in gear yet; only in park.
I believe Akikyo (Post #109) and GNCMaxima (Post #147) said they had videos or were going to make videos. I think those would be very helpful even if Akikyo's turns out to be fine.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 545
From: Mass.
Cold (Start) Idle
Warm Idle
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
Honestly it's hard to tell from those videos ( sound wise). As a gambler I would say Corrolla has a bearing knock Jig I'm not sure.
The easiest way is to get someone to help you
Warm the car up and listen in park to how it sounds and then put the car in gear.
If the car gets much quieter in gear you may probably have an issue
I found this on another forum I just joined as it has an Infiiniti section
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/200...ine-knock.html
The easiest way is to get someone to help you
Warm the car up and listen in park to how it sounds and then put the car in gear.
If the car gets much quieter in gear you may probably have an issue
I found this on another forum I just joined as it has an Infiiniti section
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/200...ine-knock.html
Last edited by 13Maximasv; Nov 14, 2013 at 02:40 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 61
From: FORT DRUM NY / BRIDGEPORT CT
Honestly it's hard to tell from those videos ( sound wise). As a gambler I would say Corrolla has a bearing knock Jig I'm not sure.
The easiest way is to get someone to help you
Warm the car up and listen in park to how it sounds and then put the car in gear.
If the car gets much quieter in gear you may probably have an issue
I found this on another forum I just joined as it has an Infiiniti section
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/200...ine-knock.html
The easiest way is to get someone to help you
Warm the car up and listen in park to how it sounds and then put the car in gear.
If the car gets much quieter in gear you may probably have an issue
I found this on another forum I just joined as it has an Infiiniti section
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/200...ine-knock.html
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 310
From: Ottawa, Canada
It's a G37... so it is a 3.7 liter as opposed to our 3.5 liter engine. Some have said it is made on the same assembly lines as the Maxima's engine... though I don't know this to be true. Being that the G37 engine is of larger displacement, I would think they would have different bearings/cranks than the Maxima.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
G35 is in the US also from 2003 - 6 I believe. This basic motor has been around a long time, why is it popping up now? Could be many different reasons
Taken from a post on another forum
"Even Nissan doesn't say it's just a bad apple. They are looking at who assembled the car and the lot # of the bearings to identify other Maxima's that may have the same problem. It could be a supplier providing a bad run of bearings or the engine not being properly torqued at assembly or a multitude of other problems, that's what they want to know"
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 5
engine noise, main bearing
After reading post on engine noise I just has to join in. My 2010 just got the ok to have the short block replaced with 27000 miles. I just bought the car and made one payment and here it is with the motor out. SUCKS, I'm also going to push for the gold. My service shop has been great, I think they have been through this before
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
After reading post on engine noise I just has to join in. My 2010 just got the ok to have the short block replaced with 27000 miles. I just bought the car and made one payment and here it is with the motor out. SUCKS, I'm also going to push for the gold. My service shop has been great, I think they have been through this before
Just be happy that you're dealer isn't saying it's normal like so many others here are experiencing and you are getting new short block vs the TSB bearng replacement.
If you find your shop has seen this issue before post any info you get.
You should have no problem getting the Gold Warranty push for the 8 year.
Where did you buy the car ? If it was a CPO I would ask for a buyback as obviously it wasn't inspected very well.
Good Luck
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 132
From: TN
After reading post on engine noise I just has to join in. My 2010 just got the ok to have the short block replaced with 27000 miles. I just bought the car and made one payment and here it is with the motor out. SUCKS, I'm also going to push for the gold. My service shop has been great, I think they have been through this before
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
I can't see why the block is on back order when this problem is so rare
You should get a free loaner car ( Nissan consumer can help and you should open a case ASAP) from the dealer.
Hopefully the new blocks don't have the same issue as a couple people had the block replaced and the knock came back.
Keep us posted
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
From: Dallas
You guys are so lucky. I can't get any dealership in Dallas to help me with this issue. I know 100% I have this issue. This is coming from a guy that checks his car every day after work (I love my Maxima too much lol).
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 132
From: TN
If the dealerships won't help you, call Nissan Consumer Affairs and open a ticket. You can request a Nissan engineer come check the engine out and they can "override" the local dealerships.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
From: Dallas
Pretty much I told them the issues and the tech couldn't re - act it.... I hear it but he doesn't. I showed him sound clips from the forum and even from those videos he said all the cars sound fine. ..what an idiot
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
I did and they said they can not do anything. If the dealership couldn't see any issues then we cant help you.
Pretty much I told them the issues and the tech couldn't re - act it.... I hear it but he doesn't. I showed him sound clips from the forum and even from those videos he said all the cars sound fine. ..what an idiot
Pretty much I told them the issues and the tech couldn't re - act it.... I hear it but he doesn't. I showed him sound clips from the forum and even from those videos he said all the cars sound fine. ..what an idiot
My bearing knock went away in Drive, does yours do the same thing ? If so have him explain that to you.
Talk to Kawowski, he was told the same thing as you and had Nissan escalate it
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
From: Bay Area California
Did you tell him Some of those cars that are "fine" has the bad bearing diagnosis and were given a new motor ? My bearing knock went away in Drive, does yours do the same thing ? If so have him explain that to you. Talk to Kawowski, he was told the same thing as you and had Nissan escalate it
Keep on the dealership, or if possible, head to a neighboring one that will be more agreeable to investigate further.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
I may be grasping at straws here, but the thought occurred to me that, in addition to some problems with the new CVT in the new generation Altimas and Pathfinders, this bearing question may also have influenced the delay of the next generation Maxima.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
Since I bought my 2013 six months after the TSB came out it won't be hard to prove Nissan was selling cars after it knew about the issue.
http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsu...action-lawsuit
Last edited by 13Maximasv; Nov 20, 2013 at 02:15 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 132
From: TN
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I'm both glad and saddened that I found this thread. I started looking about a month ago for used 2009-2012 Maxima's, being very picky on mileage and price (this is a "want" car, not a "need").
We had a 2007, bought used in 2009, and traded it off for another vehicle in 2011, just as I was getting the timing chain tensioner whine at about 60,000 miles. Loved the car, but wasn't too keen on dropping $1,200 for a fix that should never have been necessary.
This bearing issue has dampened my enthusiasm for another Max. Seems to me it's going to be just like the tensioner issue - a "when" failure, not an "if". I'm thinking about looking for a Lexus GS or Acura TL series instead.
And with 35% of the people in the poll reporting issues, don't know if I want to roll the dice.
We had a 2007, bought used in 2009, and traded it off for another vehicle in 2011, just as I was getting the timing chain tensioner whine at about 60,000 miles. Loved the car, but wasn't too keen on dropping $1,200 for a fix that should never have been necessary.
This bearing issue has dampened my enthusiasm for another Max. Seems to me it's going to be just like the tensioner issue - a "when" failure, not an "if". I'm thinking about looking for a Lexus GS or Acura TL series instead.
And with 35% of the people in the poll reporting issues, don't know if I want to roll the dice.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
I'm both glad and saddened that I found this thread. I started looking about a month ago for used 2009-2012 Maxima's, being very picky on mileage and price (this is a "want" car, not a "need").
We had a 2007, bought used in 2009, and traded it off for another vehicle in 2011, just as I was getting the timing chain tensioner whine at about 60,000 miles. Loved the car, but wasn't too keen on dropping $1,200 for a fix that should never have been necessary.
This bearing issue has dampened my enthusiasm for another Max. Seems to me it's going to be just like the tensioner issue - a "when" failure, not an "if". I'm thinking about looking for a Lexus GS or Acura TL series instead.
And with 35% of the people in the poll reporting issues, don't know if I want to roll the dice.
We had a 2007, bought used in 2009, and traded it off for another vehicle in 2011, just as I was getting the timing chain tensioner whine at about 60,000 miles. Loved the car, but wasn't too keen on dropping $1,200 for a fix that should never have been necessary.
This bearing issue has dampened my enthusiasm for another Max. Seems to me it's going to be just like the tensioner issue - a "when" failure, not an "if". I'm thinking about looking for a Lexus GS or Acura TL series instead.
And with 35% of the people in the poll reporting issues, don't know if I want to roll the dice.
My main concern wouldn't be the bearing noise as much as some dealers refusal to acknowleged it exists and the fact that a couple people on this forum have had the shortblock replaced and the bearing knock returned.
The way Nissan is giving out 8 year/ 100K mile bumper to bumper zero deductible warranties like candy means they know this issue isn't isolated to a few cars and are trying to keep consumers happy.
If you decide against the Max take a look at the G37
BTW, you should be VERY happy you found this thread before you bought, at least you can now make an informed decision.
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Joined: Nov 2013
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knock update
an update to my previous post, my short block was on back order which would have put me 30 days in the shop. The dealer here in California set me up with a long block which is now in the shop ready to install. I'm satisfied with the concern shown by my service tech but I will still push for the gold warranty from Nissan Consumer Affairs, replacing a motor is a big deal, I wish i saw this post before my purchase.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
an update to my previous post, my short block was on back order which would have put me 30 days in the shop. The dealer here in California set me up with a long block which is now in the shop ready to install. I'm satisfied with the concern shown by my service tech but I will still push for the gold warranty from Nissan Consumer Affairs, replacing a motor is a big deal, I wish i saw this post before my purchase.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,909
From: Reno, NV
an update to my previous post, my short block was on back order which would have put me 30 days in the shop. The dealer here in California set me up with a long block which is now in the shop ready to install. I'm satisfied with the concern shown by my service tech but I will still push for the gold warranty from Nissan Consumer Affairs, replacing a motor is a big deal, I wish i saw this post before my purchase.
Longblock better anyway.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
This is a motor bearing thread but since you brought it up was the wheel bearing covered under your powertrain warranty or did you have a 60 k extended warranty such as the Gold ?