takkar

I've started to hear this rattling that usually happens in the 2800-3400K RPM range (can bearly hear with windows closed, but audible with windows open).
Happens anytime I accelerate..so either from stop, after downshifting
or without downshifting, but pulling in the RPM range mentioned above
The sound is somewhat similar to what the gears on a bicycle would make if they dont get into gear properly...
Any ideas?

takkar

Bump...I really would appreciate some input on this.

k2max_driver

iTrader: (6)

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=473272

does it sound like this?

takkar

thanks for the reply k2max...I saw this post before. Mine is nothing like that. Happens only when the engine is warmed up and in the 2500-3000 range and happens 1 in 3-4 times. Sounds more like a chain rattle and seems to come from the front of the car (can hear it well when driving next to a wall)

I also read it can be the catalyst converter. can we use a sthethescope to listen to the broken peice.

k2max_driver

iTrader: (6)

thats what i used but its really hard with all the other noises coming from the motor, especially the loud injectors. maybe its the camshaft sprocket there is a tsb out for it

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/.../NTB03-060.htm

but the thing is you say you hear the noise when its warm and around 2500-3000 rpm. how many miles do you have on your max? maybe its time for a new timing chain i believe they are supposed to be replaced at 100k

super6

iTrader: (5)

sounds serious, maybe the timing chain tesioner, have someone rev up the car and try to pin point where its comming from. its likely just a loose heat shield by your exhaust system somehwere, but if it sounds like gears like u say, id take it to nissan, tho they know as much as anyone would.

M@XiMus

Sup dude,

I had the same thing happenning to me not too long ago. And i only finally found out what that noise was when i installed my headers. On the stock headers, there are two honey combs filters inside the CATs, when they come loose they make that rattling noise. I drove myself crazy trying to figure that sh*t out. Hope this helps. That's why you hear it during shifting and even when you accelerate. The pressure and flow of the exhaust make it rattle.

takkar

Thanks for the reply man. I am leaning towards this right now since I had something similar on my Honda and the tensioner. but I impression is that timing chain had no issues....I have 85000KM (~= 53000 miles) on my Max

hawaiiankine

I am having a similar issue also where sometimes when I got up hills or start to accelerate I get the knocking sound. I sounds like engine knock though cause it get's real noticable when it does it up hills. It doesn't do it up hills. Is that cams or timing?

qballjr13

Neither, most likely in our cars its spark knock. What grade gas are you running? How many miles do you have? Have you replaced the plugs? Have you replaced the coils? Start there. Very common

hawaiiankine

I have replaced the plugs but not the coils. I have 95,000 on my car. I was kinda hesitant on changing the coils. What milage should I change those at and how can I tell if they need to be changed?

qballjr13

Not sure when your SUPPOSED to change them but if you did your plugs (platinum, I assume), your using at LEAST 89 octane and your still getting spark knock, then I think your last option is coils.

beancooker

as far as 89 octane read your owners manual. on one of the last pages it says not to use less than 92 octane. spark knock is caused by detonation (gas and air exploding before it is timed to do so) which can be fixed by a higher octane gas.have you advanced your timing? if it is too far advanced you can also get spark knock along with other problems. hope this helps.