weird engine whine noise
11-05-2008, 11:37 PM
#1
weird engine whine noise
hey fellas, i need some input on this one...
about two weeks ago i start to notice this wierd whining sound coming from the engine bay while accelerating. the noise pitch is dependant on engine speed, so the higher the revs, the higher the pitch. the car still drives fine, and she still pulls hard all the way to redline. but i have no clue what is causing the whine. i checked the power steering fluid since the noise sorta resembles low steering fluid, but it's at normal levels.
the noise seem to be originating from the passenger end of the motor. anyone ran into this problem? i have 67k on the car. i'll try to get a video of it so you guys can hear it as well.
about two weeks ago i start to notice this wierd whining sound coming from the engine bay while accelerating. the noise pitch is dependant on engine speed, so the higher the revs, the higher the pitch. the car still drives fine, and she still pulls hard all the way to redline. but i have no clue what is causing the whine. i checked the power steering fluid since the noise sorta resembles low steering fluid, but it's at normal levels.
the noise seem to be originating from the passenger end of the motor. anyone ran into this problem? i have 67k on the car. i'll try to get a video of it so you guys can hear it as well.
![[TexMex]'s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23e95aa7' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>[</text></svg>)
11-06-2008, 01:13 AM
#4
Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 179
Look up NTB06-079a, NTB07-042. It involves two of the three timing chains on the front of the engine, the nylon tensioner shoes wear through causing the tensioner piston to contact the chains causing the noise. Replacing them involves removing the engine from the car (easiest method), if you car is within the 60K drive train warranty get in in now as it will only get worse until a chain snaps that will take out your valve train and engine. This is an emerging problem with all 3.5VQ's in Maxima, Murano, and Altima's, nissan screwed the pooch on this one and I would imagine as thousands of these start showing up they will be forced to repair out of warranty. If you have any other questions PM me. http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/Knowl...html?catid=317
11-06-2008, 09:39 AM
#5
5spd auto, but it doesn't sound like it's coming from the tranny side.
Proceedbob, thanks for that info. Unfortunately I'm past the 60k drivetrain warranty. The last thing I want to happen is the chain breaking and destroying my engine.
I stopped by one of my friends place so he can have a listen. He said it sounds like a tensioner as well.
Proceedbob, thanks for that info. Unfortunately I'm past the 60k drivetrain warranty. The last thing I want to happen is the chain breaking and destroying my engine.
I stopped by one of my friends place so he can have a listen. He said it sounds like a tensioner as well.
11-06-2008, 12:13 PM
#6
Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 179
I would call Nissan North America and insist that they cover it as it is a design flaw with the tensioner, I believe it will eventually be treated as a out of warranty repair. You have nothing to lose by calling or writing, or better yet get your dealer to intervene, bring the service bulletin with you. It only involves about $350.00 in parts but the labor is 8-10 hours.
11-06-2008, 12:21 PM
#8
Look up NTB06-079a, NTB07-042. It involves two of the three timing chains on the front of the engine, the nylon tensioner shoes wear through causing the tensioner piston to contact the chains causing the noise. Replacing them involves removing the engine from the car (easiest method), if you car is within the 60K drive train warranty get in in now as it will only get worse until a chain snaps that will take out your valve train and engine. This is an emerging problem with all 3.5VQ's in Maxima, Murano, and Altima's, nissan screwed the pooch on this one and I would imagine as thousands of these start showing up they will be forced to repair out of warranty. If you have any other questions PM me. http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/Knowl...html?catid=317
11-06-2008, 12:33 PM
#9
It might not be a motor or tranny problem. I have encountered a similar problem and it was my amps and stereo. Check your stereo and amps and make sure that is not the problem. It tends to be a grounding problem. Go to 12volt.com, they have great ideas on how to diagnose the problem as well as to how to solve it. As soon as I fixed that in my car, the whine went away.
11-06-2008, 06:36 PM
#10
i'm almost 100% certain it's not related to my audio. trust me, i know all my groundings are good. 
it's definately under the hood.
eddymax how much was it to get yours replaced by the dealer?
it's definately under the hood.
eddymax how much was it to get yours replaced by the dealer?
11-06-2008, 07:35 PM
#12
here's the two vids i just shot. the first link is startup and idle. the 2nd one is with some revs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHYUiz-kA2E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo9vVgUfpxs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHYUiz-kA2E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo9vVgUfpxs
11-07-2008, 01:08 AM
#14
Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 179
Wonder if it has any direct relation to what kind of motor oil was used, I think the VQ is just harder on oil, which will add to the increased number of owners who may have this problem, and with the added protection of synthetic, it just seems like an added benefit for your investment. I hope Im not speaking to soon, and Im about to hit some magical number and watch my car fall apart, but I've heard some other Maximas and was just a little nervous with how their cars sounded at idle
11-07-2008, 07:52 PM
#15
AscendantMax your car must have been doing this for awhile, it first only shows up under engine load and not at idle or revving, I would get on the phone, your chains are running metal to metal. Mine started right at 60K and my dealer repaired it under warranty luckily.
. i'll see if i can get them to repair it under warranty.
11-07-2008, 09:32 PM
#16
Well I have only used Mobil 1 TD 5W-40 (Delvac1) from 250 miles replaced every five thousand miles, I use this same oil in my YZRF R1 and CRF450 and beat the crap out of them. The tensioners are under higher loading during spirited driving, so if you push your car more often this will show up sooner. Expect between 60K-80K depending on your driving habits. AscendantMax your car must have been doing this for awhile, it first only shows up under engine load and not at idle or revving, I would get on the phone, your chains are running metal to metal. Mine started right at 60K and my dealer repaired it under warranty luckily.
11-08-2008, 05:05 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fort Walton Beach
Posts: 679
following for information. sorry for your luck, saw the videos and for a minute I thought it was your air being sucked in from the CAI, but then I realized 'air' doesn't sound like 'that'. good luck.
11-08-2008, 08:11 AM
#19
The VQ is a solid engine but if Nissan changed the internals, this could be no different then Toyota with their sludge problem, one minor change and it effects will come back 10 fold
11-08-2008, 09:52 AM
#20
Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 179
.
It took my guys about 11 hours as the engine came out and coolant, oil, freon and power steering fluid had to be drained prior (mine is a 6 speed btw), they also had been kind enough to replace the drive belts while the engine was out (I paid that, $42.00). And of course everything had to be refilled and bled including evacuating and recharging the AC system after it was reinstalled. From what I have been told the new parts have been redesigned to prevent a reaccurence.
11-08-2008, 10:49 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 123
It took my guys about 11 hours as the engine came out and coolant, oil, freon and power steering fluid had to be drained prior (mine is a 6 speed btw), they also had been kind enough to replace the drive belts while the engine was out (I paid that, $42.00). And of course everything had to be refilled and bled including evacuating and recharging the AC system after it was reinstalled. From what I have been told the new parts have been redesigned to prevent a reaccurence.
What model yr has the redesigned timing chain tensioner. What yr is your car.
11-08-2008, 02:51 PM
#22
Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 179
2004 SE, I don't know if and when they redesigned the tensioner in current model years of if they did, I was stating that the parts in the service bulletin are different than the installed parts in my 04.
Last edited by Proceedbob; 11-08-2008 at 02:55 PM.
11-14-2008, 12:01 PM
#27
Update:
So after I sent Nissan USA an angry email, a consumers rep called me yesterday asking for more info. He said he'll contact my dealer to get the specifics of my problem. He'll get back to me Monday. I hope they'll help me out on this.
So after I sent Nissan USA an angry email, a consumers rep called me yesterday asking for more info. He said he'll contact my dealer to get the specifics of my problem. He'll get back to me Monday. I hope they'll help me out on this.
11-15-2008, 08:30 AM
#28
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 245
Damn, Gordon. I might have to dump my Max soon, if this is what's waiting for me at 60K! This, on top of the strut tower bushings, the noisiest cabin I've ever witnessed and a squeaking radiator harness have me really annoyed that I paid 30 grand for a car with this many annoyances.
11-20-2008, 12:41 PM
#29
another update:
So they didn't call me Monday or Tuesday like they said they would...I called them yesterday to inquire about the missed call. The agent said she's very sorry and that I will get my call by the end of the business day. No calls.
So this morning I called and asked them again why was there a hold up. Then I got the call about 3 hrs later. The guy said Nissan won't be able to help since I'm over warranty. I'm only over by 7k
I told them the car haven't even been paid off yet and I have to fork out this much money for a huge repair on something that should last well over 60k. They pretty much said sorry and for me to talk to my dealer (whome told me to call Nissan USA). It feels like I'm going in a damn circle.
So they didn't call me Monday or Tuesday like they said they would...I called them yesterday to inquire about the missed call. The agent said she's very sorry and that I will get my call by the end of the business day. No calls.
So this morning I called and asked them again why was there a hold up. Then I got the call about 3 hrs later. The guy said Nissan won't be able to help since I'm over warranty. I'm only over by 7k
I told them the car haven't even been paid off yet and I have to fork out this much money for a huge repair on something that should last well over 60k. They pretty much said sorry and for me to talk to my dealer (whome told me to call Nissan USA). It feels like I'm going in a damn circle.
11-20-2008, 05:08 PM
#31
another update:
So they didn't call me Monday or Tuesday like they said they would...I called them yesterday to inquire about the missed call. The agent said she's very sorry and that I will get my call by the end of the business day. No calls.
So this morning I called and asked them again why was there a hold up. Then I got the call about 3 hrs later. The guy said Nissan won't be able to help since I'm over warranty. I'm only over by 7k
I told them the car haven't even been paid off yet and I have to fork out this much money for a huge repair on something that should last well over 60k. They pretty much said sorry and for me to talk to my dealer (whome told me to call Nissan USA). It feels like I'm going in a damn circle.
So they didn't call me Monday or Tuesday like they said they would...I called them yesterday to inquire about the missed call. The agent said she's very sorry and that I will get my call by the end of the business day. No calls.
So this morning I called and asked them again why was there a hold up. Then I got the call about 3 hrs later. The guy said Nissan won't be able to help since I'm over warranty. I'm only over by 7k
I told them the car haven't even been paid off yet and I have to fork out this much money for a huge repair on something that should last well over 60k. They pretty much said sorry and for me to talk to my dealer (whome told me to call Nissan USA). It feels like I'm going in a damn circle.
11-20-2008, 09:27 PM
#33
Nissan Consumer Affairs has to be one of the worst customer service departments EVER. It's like they aren't even there to help you.
Not that the child is any better but when I take my Infiniti in for service, within 24 hours I have a call asking me if everything is ok. Then 24 hours after that a live person calls me for a customer satisfaction survey.
Good luck with that repair. Honestly I'd be at the car lot right now looking to trade it in. They don't do any mechanical inspection then. At least they didn't for me. Just the body to make sure it has no visible dings or dents.
Not that the child is any better but when I take my Infiniti in for service, within 24 hours I have a call asking me if everything is ok. Then 24 hours after that a live person calls me for a customer satisfaction survey.
Good luck with that repair. Honestly I'd be at the car lot right now looking to trade it in. They don't do any mechanical inspection then. At least they didn't for me. Just the body to make sure it has no visible dings or dents.
12-05-2008, 07:15 PM
#34
little update...
car is slowly being worked on. the two old tensioners were replaced today. i snapped a couple of pics. the plastic was worn all the way down to the piston. there's no marks on the piston themselves from the chain rubbing on it. i guess it was only pretty recent that it went metal-to-metal.
the main tensioner will be replaced tomorrow.
car is slowly being worked on. the two old tensioners were replaced today. i snapped a couple of pics. the plastic was worn all the way down to the piston. there's no marks on the piston themselves from the chain rubbing on it. i guess it was only pretty recent that it went metal-to-metal.
the main tensioner will be replaced tomorrow.
12-11-2008, 07:08 PM
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 47
Sure am glad I saw this post. My wifes Maxima has been making this noise for a couple weeks now. I got it into the dealer quick and even though I'm over my extended warranty by 2,000 miles they hooked me up. New tensioners and timing chains! I should get the car back tomorrow.
12-11-2008, 09:06 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 329
ascedantmax...i watched your video but can't really make out the sound for sure.
Does it sound like a whistling sound?
My 06 Max with 58K is making like a very faint bird chirping/whisteling sound when I am in 2nd gear right before it goes to 3rd. The more I rev, the more I hear it. It is not loud at all in the cabin, BUT i can hear it....
Sooo, can any car repair shops check tensioners?
Does it sound like a whistling sound?
My 06 Max with 58K is making like a very faint bird chirping/whisteling sound when I am in 2nd gear right before it goes to 3rd. The more I rev, the more I hear it. It is not loud at all in the cabin, BUT i can hear it....
Sooo, can any car repair shops check tensioners?
12-12-2008, 08:03 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 834
Ok so the 60K warrenty good till the car reaches 60K or is it 60K or so many years what ever comes first? i only have 42K now my 04? I also have the 100K powertrain warrenty that came with the car i have that in writing straight from nissan..also is this covered under
powertrain?
powertrain?
Last edited by Lovemycar; 12-12-2008 at 08:18 AM.
12-12-2008, 09:50 AM
#38
ascedantmax...i watched your video but can't really make out the sound for sure.
Does it sound like a whistling sound?
My 06 Max with 58K is making like a very faint bird chirping/whisteling sound when I am in 2nd gear right before it goes to 3rd. The more I rev, the more I hear it. It is not loud at all in the cabin, BUT i can hear it....
Sooo, can any car repair shops check tensioners?
Does it sound like a whistling sound?
My 06 Max with 58K is making like a very faint bird chirping/whisteling sound when I am in 2nd gear right before it goes to 3rd. The more I rev, the more I hear it. It is not loud at all in the cabin, BUT i can hear it....
Sooo, can any car repair shops check tensioners?
12-12-2008, 11:11 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 329
The guy warned me that they might not be able to duplicate the whisle noise being that it is "too specific" (kind of a ***** response if you ask me) but we'll see what they say.
But I know the knocking sound is definitely there, if they come back with that "we couldn't duplicate the noise" crap, I am gonna be Pee O-ed
