When my AC/Heat is on, I can hear the fan rattling behind the passenger side Dash. I plan on taking the dash apart today but have never ripped out that much of my dash. I am going to look at the fan, but most likely have no idea what to look for. Dealership mentioned bearings, I supposed I can snag those for cheap and replace them myself if thats it. For the record, the Heat/AC still works, but the noise is getting worse and I dont want something to break and it end up more expensive.

If anyone can tell me what to look at or check or what part might be bad, I would find it tremendously helpful.

Also if anyone has a walkthrough or pictures of how to correctly take my Passenger side Dash apart... it would help.

-Swiss

 

The blower motor is right by the cabin micro-filter so if you follow the "how to" for cleaning/changing the filter, you will be most of the way there. Here is a link for the filter change: http://www.innerbean.com/housecor/cabin_filter.html

When I was cleaning my microfilter, I was looking around trying to find a leaf/twig that was inside the vent system and rubbing against the fan. I decided it was not worth the time/effort to pull the entire system apart since I only heard the noise on occasion but the motor is right there so you shouldn't have too many more steps to get it out.

Good luck!

 

there is a leaf inside the blower

 

You can't practically replace a bad bearing. They are integral with the motor. You have to replace the motor, or more likely, the entire blower as a unit.

It is easy to do. Lie supine in the passenger footwell and crank your head back until your neck almost snaps. Over near the right kick panel, above where a passenger's ankle would be, is the fan. It drops right down.

 

I have the same issue as well. The rattling is extremely faint, and I think that I'm the only one that notices it as of right now, as I'm in the car most of the time. Lately it's become intermittent when using the AC, and I don't notice it when the system is on "ECON." I haven't noticed it when the heat is on, though, as I don't have my heat up extremely high and it's usually coming out of the bottom vents (near the feet) only.

Have you had any success in getting rid of the rattle yet??

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=491921
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=503078
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=497088
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=492564
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=478665
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=433996
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=458884
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=457257

 

My car makes the same noise and its definitely the bearings. When I turn sharp the noise goes away.

I just got used to it but when I first got the car it was so annoying.

 

there is a TSB for this problem

 

Look under the dash on the PS. You'll see the bottom of the blower motor. There are like 3 or 4 screws that hold it in. Take them out. The motor drops down. Make sure there isn't any trash or leaves in it. If it's clean turn your AC on and see if the noise is in fact coming from the blower motor and not just trash in the fan. If it's silent check your air vents for trash.

 

i have a similiar issue but for me it sounds like something is loose or vibrating when my heat or ac is on mid to high. the system still works but the noise sucks ***.