So I have a rattling noise coming from the engine bay in my 1995 Maxima Gle with 164k miles. The car doesn’t run bad or anything like that. In fact it runs pretty smooth and has plenty of power. I notice is does it in all gear, although I can only hear it when I’m stopped. While driving, I can’t hear it, although it can simply be other noises like road noise engine noise etc that block it out. So I’m sure it makes the noise when I’m stopped, but I’m not sure if it does it while driving. It doesn’t sound like knocking to me. I was told it could be a bearing specifically alternator bearing, timing chain, water pump, etc. Does anyone know what it can possibly be?

Here’s a video of the noise:

 

Remove the alternator and air conditioner belt.

The noise would be related to the chain tensioner if it persists. Or perhaps the power steering pump.

Rotate the tensioner. does it feel smooth?

Rotate alternator and air con pulley. Should feel smooth.

Tell us what you found.

 

Could also be the AC compressor if that was on when you filmed the video. It should go away if you disengage the AC compressor by turning the AC off, that was my issue back then. Other than that, pretty much just test out if it's anything that's belt-driven by removing the belts. If it still makes the noise after that, then it's most likely internal (i.e. timing chain and what not)