well first if I press the clutch all the way in (like starting the car) the sound desapears (ok I know it sounds like a clutch). the problem is, the clutch was replaced 20K miles ago. so it doesn't look like it is.
second the sound can be hear while driving in 1-4 gears strongest in 1st and least in 4th.
I took to a mechanic and he said it is most definatly the main bearing in the transmision.
madchef (original owner) said his mechatnic thought it might be the flywheel.
so which one is it... I have videos of it.... but I don't have a page to host it....

Thanks for any info.
Gui

 

Tranny problem

 

Since your clutch was replaced recently and assuming the job was done properly, your flywheel should have been turned. The "sound" is not very decriptive, I'm going with mechanic "A"... main bearing.

 

that basicaly means the tranmision is going right?
one more thing... I don't think I told many people about this... but my maxima was totaled.... and I talked to Madchef, and he sold his old maxima to me. (which are basicaly identical cars)
I still have my crashed maxima at my house... (with the good transmision and all), my question is... who would be willing to help out to swap them... not now maybe in the summer (if it last until then)

I'm just looking to get the car in good condition so I can drive it daily (safely).... no more NE drag race... or anything special, just fully functionable maxima.
so, can anyone help out...

 

Have you check your tranny fluid? You may have a slight leak, if you keep it topped up you'll extend the life and possibly eliminate the "sound"

 

This doesn't sound like a clutch problem at all. My bet would be one of the bearings inside.

Does it make noise when rolling in gear (use a gear that would normally be at ~4k at the speed you're traveling) w/the clutch pedal down? If so, does the noise follow your speed? If so, you've probably got bearing issues.

Here's a breakdown:

engine - flywheel - clutch: disk, TO bearing - input shaft - main shaft - differential - wheels

You want to isolate which one is making the noise, and you can only control a few things (engine; clutch; wheels).

Let's look at what happens (assume engine is running):
1) stopped + disengaged clutch (pedal down) = moving parts: TO bearing
2) stopped + neutral + engaged clutch (pedal up) = moving parts: disk, input shaft
3) rolling + disengaged clutch + in gear == moving parts: to bearing, differential bearing, main shaft, input shaft

So, if I understand you correctly, it makes noise at #2, but goes away at #1. This makes me think that the problem is inside the transmission; it quiets when the tranny is disconnected. Try #3 to further confirm my suspicion.

 

I might be able to help out...provided you buy the beer. That's a long drive for me, though...3.5 hours.

 

master and slave cylinders get them checked i had that problem and changed the slave cylinder and all was well

 

I listened to the sound videos (didn't sound correct) it is like a ratleling nosie. I will try to get the sound video again...
tomorow I will try to test number three...
sryth yes you got #1 and #2 right,
#3 you say, if while crusing, I press the clutch pedal down (desingaged)but leave the gear on, I should hear something, yes I do, but only at low speeds (1-3 gears) (maybe the enviroment buffers the sound)

well as I said I will only want to do this, when it warm up enought (trans. swap) of if this one breaks... I will pm you to keep track so that in the fuuture I will remember that you mentioned you could help.

 

Based on what you say, it definitly sounds like a bearing issue. Are you leaking anything yet?

 

ok, today, I did a oil change and checked for the level on the transmision fluid... it was full to the top. Yes I did notice some leak (wet spot) around the area where the trans. meets the engine. but not enought to drip.

Question how would I know when the trans. is ready to die?
Is there anything I can do while driving to make sure I don't force the trans.
(never reduce gears.. never accel. too fast), Basicaly anything that will maintain the trans. life for as long as possible.
Or is there nothing we can do, but wait and hope.

 

How did you check the tranny fluid?

Basically, take it easy on it; smoothness is key. Keep an eye out for leaks, and make sure it has enough oil. You should be good for a few months.

 

Same EXACT issues for me, did you finally figure out what it was?