Well, when the engine is cold and i start up and start to drive i get this sound almost like having a bunch of marbles in your hands and shaking them. it'll go away when i hit about 30 mph usually and only happens when its cold. i was thinking maybe something to do with the exhaust as when its gets hot enough it stops thinking that the metal heats up and expands. oh yea the sound comes from the front. any input or suggestions??? its a 95 gxe with about 126k on it. thanks

 

Locate the source of the noise. Sounds like the timing chain tensioner needs replacement.

 

i believe if i remember correctly it comes from the passenger side of the engine. during the summer it'll only make this noise for a few seconds, but now that its getting cold it takes longer to go away. its been doing this for some time now probably a couple years.. how tough is the chain tensioner to do

 

How-to from the FAQ:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=182977

 

does this sound like the culprit?

 

Well you said passenger side. If it's coming from the timing chain cover then it likely is that. Don't be surprised it's a common problem on the 95-96 years.

 

thanks for your help