Very interesting sound coming from my 89 Maxima engine -- it started instantly, nothing gradual about it. It's coming from the firewall side of my engine and gets louder with RPM increase (higher pitched too). I ruled out the alternator. I'm thinking either transmission related (although it does it in neutral) or power steering pump related (even though it doesn't get worse when I crank the wheel ). Anyone have any ideas what it could be? BTW, performance of the engine has not change whatsoever nor has the shifting changed (automatic). I have a 30 second, high quality mp3 recording of the sound if anyone wants to take a crack at it. Go here to listen:
http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine

Thanks in advance guys -- could really use your help here. I love this car and don't want to keep it going until 300K (currently at 220k with original engine and trans).

 

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Diagnostics: Take belts out to tst the source. Belts: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/23

Pur-chase a stethoscope (7$), peek around, listen.

 

Man, that cardomain page is INVALUABLE. Thanks a million my friend. Take a listen to this and tell me what you think it is:

http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine

Sound like the power steering pump to you?

 

To me ... NO sound at all. Maybe some exotic audio file form, needing codec's, drivers or whatever prblem?

Take out your pwr steering belt, test.

 

Could be PS, but also idler bearings on the tensioners of any of the belts .................

Remove all 3 drive belts and see if noise is gone ............... if so then replace one at a time and find the noisy item - real easy and takes all of 2 minutes.

If the noise doesn't go away with the 3 belts removed you may have a cam-belt tensioner on its way out ............ way more serious and more involved to silence - also more imperative to address pronto

 

You have to click on the extremely small play arrow on that button else you wont get anything

 

umm yess ... done ... heard ...extremely good advice

Dont drive at all before checking the noise source. If after accessory belt removal the sound is there, change T-belt, tensioner immediately...

 

Sounds like your power steering fluid is low, or the p/s pump is bad. Check your fluid level, if low, replenish with dextronIII transmission fluid only, not regular p/s fluid.

If the fluid level is fine, then you most likely have a bad pump.

 

Excellent advice everyone. Next question...what is the quickest, easiest, safest way, to remove my power steering belt to rule out the PS pump? BTW, if you had trouble hearing the sound, click on the small triangle (play button) and it will engage. Here it is again (I swear it sounds like PS Pump problem): http://boomp3.com/m/1f320260f146/maxima-engine

Thanks.