2002 Maxima engine noise PLEASE HELP
#1
2002 Maxima engine noise PLEASE HELP
Ok I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima with almost 125,000, I use Shell 93 Vpower for gas. Ok well I recently have been having this engine rattling which sounds like its coming from the lower part of the engine. The noise at first was only when I turn the car off as the engine is turning off you hear a rattling noise. Now I am getting this rattling noise when I am just idling in park or neutral but goes away in drive. Also as I rev the engine to about 2000rpm when I let it go as its coming down you hear it some more. I take good care of my car Idk what could this noise be or what could have caused it anyone who has an idea or any help would be greatly appreciated thank you
#10
#11
#13
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Best guess is also, based on the video, one of your heat shields. There are several, around your front and back pre-cats just after the exhaust manifolds, as well as around your main cat, and between your exhaust and floor(unlikely to be these). You mentioned it doesn't rattle when the car is cold? As the car heats up tolerances get larger between the heat shield and retaining bolts and allow play. If one is loose, most people, myself included, just pull off the shield. The shield area around the retaining bolts rusts over time-plan B is get 2 washers (one under, one over the shield)and see if you can reinstall the shield-but be careful removing the retaining bolts or you'll break them off as they are probably rusted.
End of thesis
End of thesis
#15
Best guess is also, based on the video, one of your heat shields. There are several, around your front and back pre-cats just after the exhaust manifolds, as well as around your main cat, and between your exhaust and floor(unlikely to be these). You mentioned it doesn't rattle when the car is cold? As the car heats up tolerances get larger between the heat shield and retaining bolts and allow play. If one is loose, most people, myself included, just pull off the shield. The shield area around the retaining bolts rusts over time-plan B is get 2 washers (one under, one over the shield)and see if you can reinstall the shield-but be careful removing the retaining bolts or you'll break them off as they are probably rusted.
End of thesis
End of thesis
#16
I know tell me about it its stressing me out because I hope its not something too bad but idk I gotta get this figured out....and oil level is fine, oil changes are done often
Last edited by yabod4lyf3; 09-15-2012 at 10:31 AM.
#19
First guess from the 2,000 rpm rattle sound is a pre-cat with the catalyst material broken or loose inside. Remove and inspect, you'll need exhaust gaskets if you do remove the pre-cat(s).
From listening to the video it sounds pretty serious in that if it were me, the car would be on a flat bed into the shop next business day. You can pick up one of those stethoscope Poke it around the engine from the top and if you can from under the car, where you hear the noise getting louder thats the area you want to focus on.
From listening to the video it sounds pretty serious in that if it were me, the car would be on a flat bed into the shop next business day. You can pick up one of those stethoscope Poke it around the engine from the top and if you can from under the car, where you hear the noise getting louder thats the area you want to focus on.
#20
Bumping this thread to see if OP found the cause for the sound.
I have the exact same sound, when I rev the engine in neutral as I release the gas and the rpms drop, or when I shut off the car. Doesn't rattle when I'm idling.
My oil level is good as I top it up frequently (burns about 1 quart in 3,000 miles) and I pump shell 91, sometimes Sunoco 94. Not throwing any codes either an car runs great and everything feels normal except for the rattling sound.
Question: would a loose precat make a rattling sound without throwing a code? Or does a precat failing always throw a code?
I have the exact same sound, when I rev the engine in neutral as I release the gas and the rpms drop, or when I shut off the car. Doesn't rattle when I'm idling.
My oil level is good as I top it up frequently (burns about 1 quart in 3,000 miles) and I pump shell 91, sometimes Sunoco 94. Not throwing any codes either an car runs great and everything feels normal except for the rattling sound.
Question: would a loose precat make a rattling sound without throwing a code? Or does a precat failing always throw a code?
#21
Bumping this thread to see if OP found the cause for the sound.
I have the exact same sound, when I rev the engine in neutral as I release the gas and the rpms drop, or when I shut off the car. Doesn't rattle when I'm idling.
My oil level is good as I top it up frequently (burns about 1 quart in 3,000 miles) and I pump shell 91, sometimes Sunoco 94. Not throwing any codes either an car runs great and everything feels normal except for the rattling sound.
Question: would a loose precat make a rattling sound without throwing a code? Or does a precat failing always throw a code?
I have the exact same sound, when I rev the engine in neutral as I release the gas and the rpms drop, or when I shut off the car. Doesn't rattle when I'm idling.
My oil level is good as I top it up frequently (burns about 1 quart in 3,000 miles) and I pump shell 91, sometimes Sunoco 94. Not throwing any codes either an car runs great and everything feels normal except for the rattling sound.
Question: would a loose precat make a rattling sound without throwing a code? Or does a precat failing always throw a code?
Sounds like the typical cat rattle.
#22
Thanks.
I should've also mentioned it doesn't rattle when I'm driving around either. Seems like it's coming from the bottom of the car near the main cat; so I'm thinking its the rear pre-cat. Just ordered the O2 extenders, I'll get the pre-cats gutted as soon as they arrive.
I should've also mentioned it doesn't rattle when I'm driving around either. Seems like it's coming from the bottom of the car near the main cat; so I'm thinking its the rear pre-cat. Just ordered the O2 extenders, I'll get the pre-cats gutted as soon as they arrive.
#24
The reason I don't think it's rod knock is because I only hear it in the above scenarios and not while I'm driving around. Would the sound not be more consistent and frequent if it was a rod knock?
Also, it's been doing this since the summer around July/August and I've been driving it around with no problems. Even did a couple 600 mile trips.
Also, it's been doing this since the summer around July/August and I've been driving it around with no problems. Even did a couple 600 mile trips.
#25
You can tap the cat with a hammer and listen for the rattle sound. I had the rattle noise if the engine was revved and it was gone once I replaced bank 1 pre-cat.
Now my main cat is acting up.
Now my main cat is acting up.
#26
You replaced your pre-cat instead of gutting it? Any particular reason for that? At this point, I'd like to go with the most cost effective way possible. Wondering if it's cheaper to replace the pre-cat than paying my mechanic to gut it for me.
#27
To gut the pre-cat you've just got to remove it, then punch out the material. Drop on some new gaskets and you are set. Do some reading on the topic so no surprises pop up.
#30
Got a Tread with more info: http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ml#post8746565
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