5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

3 changes made my car so much more enjoyable

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-14-2009, 10:36 PM
  #1  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
3 changes made my car so much more enjoyable

1. New tires. Falken ZE912s. So much quieter than the Michelin/Yokohama tires I had. So much quieter in fact, it let to change #2.

2. Rear window wind noise fix. http://www.shiftice.com/window_wind_noise.html

I couldn't find that exact 3M foam tape but I guess it was close enough. No more wind noise at the back of the car.

3. Cleaned (or should I say, had cleaned) the throttle body. I'd been experiencing a low idle-600 rpm in gear and occasional stalling after a hot restart and at the very least, the car would start and the idle would drop below 500 rpm before rebounding. Since the TB was cleaned, the idle is between 700-750 rpm. No more dropping low after a hot restart and no stalling.

Scottwax is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 01:18 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
iTrader: (12)
 
MIK3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 1,106
Good deal man. I tell ya, it's the little things that keep a driver attached.
MIK3 is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 05:41 AM
  #3  
 
ktcp643's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 17
Originally Posted by Scottwax
1. New tires. Falken ZE912s. So much quieter than the Michelin/Yokohama tires I had. So much quieter in fact, it let to change #2.

2. Rear window wind noise fix. http://www.shiftice.com/window_wind_noise.html

I couldn't find that exact 3M foam tape but I guess it was close enough. No more wind noise at the back of the car.

3. Cleaned (or should I say, had cleaned) the throttle body. I'd been experiencing a low idle-600 rpm in gear and occasional stalling after a hot restart and at the very least, the car would start and the idle would drop below 500 rpm before rebounding. Since the TB was cleaned, the idle is between 700-750 rpm. No more dropping low after a hot restart and no stalling.

Can u please post some pics of the tape you used and also pics of the install if possible.. I tried this a few months ago and I still had the same noise... thanks...
ktcp643 is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 06:38 AM
  #4  
Turbo'd Saab
iTrader: (17)
 
DrunkieTheBear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 35,838
I never had the wind noise, my stereo was always just to loud.
DrunkieTheBear is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 07:16 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Mattlikespeoples's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 157
Originally Posted by DaveVQ
I never had the wind noise, my stereo was always just to loud.
I have a similar issue but my exhaust is too lound. My stock speakers sound like they're made of cardboard but my exhaust sounds like a coffee can. Atleast it's not a flowmaster.
Mattlikespeoples is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 07:18 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Prophecy99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SE PA
Posts: 5,979
my 3 = ltb stage II, cleared headlights, illuminas
Prophecy99 is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 09:56 AM
  #7  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by ktcp643
Can u please post some pics of the tape you used and also pics of the install if possible.. I tried this a few months ago and I still had the same noise... thanks...
I tossed the package after I finished and used up all the tape. It was a 3M product, double sided foam tape. 1/2" wide. The backing you peel off is red and I found it at NAPA. I ran the tape from the top front of the window all the way to the lower back corner (pretty much like that link shows). If you still have the wind noise, you may need to just add another layer.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 11:28 AM
  #8  
 
ktcp643's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 17
thanks..I'm gonna try it again this weekend.
ktcp643 is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 01:42 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
DOHCtorJT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 245
My 3: Berk intake, free sts, and shifter bushings
DOHCtorJT is offline  
Old 01-15-2009, 02:04 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
iTrader: (16)
 
mist max2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 2,071
mann i need to do number 2... i did it in my old 2000 maxima.. because i thought i had wind noise.. but wow the noise is 100x more apperant in the 5.5gen.. i need to do it.. just too damn cold out...
mist max2000 is offline  
Old 01-23-2009, 09:30 PM
  #11  
Banned
iTrader: (9)
 
diverdown3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 290
3. Cleaned (or should I say, had cleaned) the throttle body. I'd been experiencing a low idle-600 rpm in gear and occasional stalling after a hot restart and at the very least, the car would start and the idle would drop below 500 rpm before rebounding. Since the TB was cleaned, the idle is between 700-750 rpm. No more dropping low after a hot restart and no stalling.
Mr. Detail, Since there seems to be some difficulty in cleaning the 5.5 gen throttle body, may I ask how you cleaned your TB?
diverdown3 is offline  
Old 01-23-2009, 10:15 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
hi-tek22's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 947
im going to do this tomorrow after i get my car back from the shop for that exhaust install....THANX SCOTT! for reminding me

my 3: fixed exhaust leak by installing new catback, replaced LED's all around, got new OEM replacement tires and all wheels balanced...drives just like it did when i drove the car off the lot

Last edited by hi-tek22; 01-23-2009 at 10:17 PM.
hi-tek22 is offline  
Old 01-23-2009, 10:20 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Bjs470's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,734
prob. a lot better now
Bjs470 is offline  
Old 01-24-2009, 07:32 AM
  #14  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by diverdown3
Mr. Detail, Since there seems to be some difficulty in cleaning the 5.5 gen throttle body, may I ask how you cleaned your TB?
Paid a mechanic $42 to do it.

I figure $42 to do it was cheaper than potentially screwing up a nearly $500 part. My understanding though, is that as long as the key is on and in the run position (where all your instrument panel lights are on) you will not damage the throttle body when you move the throttle plate.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 01-24-2009, 10:28 AM
  #15  
Banned
iTrader: (9)
 
diverdown3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 290
Originally Posted by Scottwax
Paid a mechanic $42 to do it.

I figure $42 to do it was cheaper than potentially screwing up a nearly $500 part. My understanding though, is that as long as the key is on and in the run position (where all your instrument panel lights are on) you will not damage the throttle body when you move the throttle plate.
Thanks man. Sounds like a smart move. It seems as though cleaning the 2000-2001 models is less risky than the 2002-2003 models.
diverdown3 is offline  
Old 01-24-2009, 05:07 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
iTrader: (6)
 
FlipCpt45's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Baytown, TX
Posts: 1,122
I get wind noise mostly from the sunroof... I tried adding shims, but its still there.. of course its less with the sunroof door closed.. but you can still hear it :P

Maybe its from the sunroof wind deflector?
FlipCpt45 is offline  
Old 01-24-2009, 09:36 PM
  #17  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by FlipCpt45
I get wind noise mostly from the sunroof... I tried adding shims, but its still there.. of course its less with the sunroof door closed.. but you can still hear it :P

Maybe its from the sunroof wind deflector?
Check to see if the front is raising up and air is flowing between the base and the top of your roof.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 01-24-2009, 10:42 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
klemenz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Knoxville Tn
Posts: 429
Originally Posted by DaveVQ
I never had the wind noise, my stereo was always just to loud.
The only time I hear about it is when someone sits in the back..
klemenz is offline  
Old 01-24-2009, 10:48 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
jr schultz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Delafield, WI
Posts: 486
I did #1 a month ago. I chose Dunlop SP 5000's...Great tire. I just did #2 today. It took all of 10 minutes to do. I wish I realised how easy of a fix it was 2 years ago when I bought the car. I haven't had to do #3 yet. I guess my #3 was a much needed car wash after so many cold days of snow around here. It sure does help to pay attention to the little things!
jr schultz is offline  
Old 01-30-2009, 06:48 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Klutch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 509
Originally Posted by Scottwax
3. Cleaned (or should I say, had cleaned) the throttle body. I'd been experiencing a low idle-600 rpm in gear and occasional stalling after a hot restart and at the very least, the car would start and the idle would drop below 500 rpm before rebounding. Since the TB was cleaned, the idle is between 700-750 rpm. No more dropping low after a hot restart and no stalling.

I too am interested in this. I realize a mech did it but do you know if he removed it and did the wipe down instead of blasting it with TB cleaner while running?
Klutch is offline  
Old 01-30-2009, 07:05 AM
  #21  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by Klutch
I too am interested in this. I realize a mech did it but do you know if he removed it and did the wipe down instead of blasting it with TB cleaner while running?
He sprayed it down then wipe it out. I don't remember hearing my car even starting until he put everything back together.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 01-30-2009, 08:05 AM
  #22  
It's business time.
iTrader: (26)
 
Progress's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 3,294
Scott, what size Falken's did you get? 235/45? Stock wheels?
Progress is offline  
Old 01-30-2009, 08:13 AM
  #23  
Member
 
boris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 251
TB cleaning: I've squeezed out a short write-up a while ago. If you're interested, I'll post it.
boris is offline  
Old 01-30-2009, 08:15 AM
  #24  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (3)
 
LA02MAX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 5,432
Originally Posted by Prophecy99
my 3 = ltb stage II, cleared headlights, illuminas
Same for me.
LA02MAX is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 09:43 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
nissandrvr98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: south central pa
Posts: 1,042
Originally Posted by boris
TB cleaning: I've squeezed out a short write-up a while ago. If you're interested, I'll post it.

Yea..id love to see a writeup!

This is something i plan to do as soon as weather permits
nissandrvr98 is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 11:52 AM
  #26  
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
max2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 55
what kind of tips u got?????
max2001 is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 12:05 PM
  #27  
Member
 
2K2Beast's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 30
where did you get the tires and how much?

Originally Posted by Scottwax
1. New tires. Falken ZE912s. So much quieter than the Michelin/Yokohama tires I had. So much quieter in fact, it let to change #2.

2. Rear window wind noise fix. http://www.shiftice.com/window_wind_noise.html

I couldn't find that exact 3M foam tape but I guess it was close enough. No more wind noise at the back of the car.

3. Cleaned (or should I say, had cleaned) the throttle body. I'd been experiencing a low idle-600 rpm in gear and occasional stalling after a hot restart and at the very least, the car would start and the idle would drop below 500 rpm before rebounding. Since the TB was cleaned, the idle is between 700-750 rpm. No more dropping low after a hot restart and no stalling.

2K2Beast is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 12:40 PM
  #28  
Member
 
boris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 251
Originally Posted by nissandrvr98
Yea..id love to see a writeup!
This is something i plan to do as soon as weather permits
Here you go:

The best way to clean TB is removing it from an intake manifold. However, I always achieve good results w/out that. To avoid major damage, you should:

Unplug the MAF connector
Remove an intake/air cleaner assembly from the TB
Turn ignition switch "on" (don't start the engine)
Put transmission on any gear (6 MT)
Floor the accelerator and secure it somehow at this position (I usually push it with a long wooden stick and hang on to a metallic frame of the bottom of the driver seat)
Now you get the throttle fully open and can start cleaning TB and butterfly valve.
Use dedicated TB cleaner (AutoZone ~$3). Spray, let it soak, wipe with a soft cotton rag. Don't use a paper as its' tiny abrasive particles can damage the special coating inside of TB. Do it several times till it's clean.
Use toothbrush to reach dip areas
Don't apply any significant force to the butterfly valve to avoid damaging the servo motor (important!)
When all done you may get some MAF related code, just erase it. Also, you'll get higher idle due to the better air flow (around 700 - 750 RPM). You can live with it or perform an idle relearn procedure. However, driving in this condition I noticed, the pinging that my car usually emits is completely gone. It's back after reseting an idle
boris is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 01:26 PM
  #29  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
denny_1986's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 376
great! i thought only i had the #2 problem. Will try that and see how much it improves the noise problem. Right now im puzzled about the service engine soon sign which popped out of nowhere. I was a bit late on the oil change so i got that today...sign is still their
denny_1986 is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 07:41 PM
  #30  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by 2K2Beast
where did you get the tires and how much?
Sears had them on sale, buy 3 get one free. Lifetime balance/free rotation, warranty certificates and the tires came to $600 even.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 07:42 PM
  #31  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by boris
Also, you'll get higher idle due to the better air flow (around 700 - 750 RPM). You can live with it or perform an idle relearn procedure.
The FSM lists the proper idle speed at 700 rpm +/- 50 rpm.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 08:14 PM
  #32  
Member
 
boris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 251
Originally Posted by Scottwax
The FSM lists the proper idle speed at 700 rpm +/- 50 rpm.
I opened the corresponding FSM page, it says MT 625+/-50rpm; AT 675+/-50rpm
boris is offline  
Old 02-02-2009, 09:27 PM
  #33  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by boris
I opened the corresponding FSM page, it says MT 625+/-50rpm; AT 675+/-50rpm
Everything I've seen for the automatic says 700 rpm.

I'm not at home on my computer so I can't check my copy of the FSM.

Before the throttle body was cleaned it was idling at about 600 rpm and rpms would drop on hot restarts and even stall occasionally.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 02-03-2009, 01:21 AM
  #34  
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
hotstartup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: vancouver
Posts: 507
for the wind noise fixed do you apply the foam to the upper part as well? where the top of the window would go when raised? hard to tell frm the pics
hotstartup is offline  
Old 02-03-2009, 02:10 PM
  #35  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by max2001
what kind of tips u got?????
They have "Pilot Motorsports" engraved into them. I got them at a muffler shop (Kinney's Mufflers) in Bedford, Texas and they welded them in place.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 02-03-2009, 02:11 PM
  #36  
That's Mr. Detail to you
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
Scottwax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 4,014
Originally Posted by hotstartup
for the wind noise fixed do you apply the foam to the upper part as well? where the top of the window would go when raised? hard to tell frm the pics
I applied the foam tape to the metal frame of the channel the weather strip pushes into. Once you pull the weather strip back you will see what I am talking about.

Last edited by Scottwax; 02-03-2009 at 02:30 PM.
Scottwax is offline  
Old 02-04-2009, 10:29 AM
  #37  
Member
 
cajun1104's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Starkville, MS
Posts: 125
I dont think i have had this wind noise. as of yet anyways. i'll keep this in mind if i ever do start hearing the noise.
cajun1104 is offline  
Old 02-05-2009, 09:08 AM
  #38  
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
gpmax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 152
Subscribed
gpmax is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lakersallday24
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
10
06-16-2019 01:35 AM
ah2002
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
13
03-09-2016 01:42 PM
MaximaDrvr
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
16
08-19-2015 08:20 PM
mikekay
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
0
08-10-2015 12:52 PM
Blackwind
All Motor
2
08-05-2015 06:35 PM



Quick Reply: 3 changes made my car so much more enjoyable



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:19 PM.