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Nissan Altima Engine Rattle

118 messages,  Last post on Oct 10, 2010 at 8:50 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Altima, Engine, Sedan

Messages Page 8 of 12

#70 of 118 Noise with Nissan altima 2.5L engine by rayval

Mar 19, 2009 (8:44 am)

I have the same problem with my 2009 Altima 2.5 which has 6,000 miles. The engine started making noise about a month after I bought it in October 2008. The car has been at the dealer for the same problem at least 6 times and it is still the same. The engine sounds like a diesel engine when it is cold and sounds the same after it has warmed up when it is under load and acceleration. The dealer has tried a different oil filter, checking the converter heat shield for vibration and even replacing some spacers, that were not the correct size on the rocker arms, however, that did not work. The noise is still there and getting worse!!.
 I really don't think that Nissan has a clue what is wrong with this engine. Fortunately, in Canada we have an arbitration program that can force the manufacturer to repair the vehicle or buy it back. I have owned Nissans for over twenty-five years, unfortunately, I think I got a lemon this time. I will give the dealer a chance to fix the car and if that doesn't work, I will go through arbitration. I just cannot drive around in a car that sounds like a diesel specially when it has a gas engine.

#71 of 118 Re: Noise with Nissan altima 2.5L engine [rayval] by redsymphony

Mar 19, 2009 (8:59 am)

Replying to: rayval (Mar 19, 2009 8:44 am)
Same thing happen to me found out I blew 2 cat converters not sure how but I replaced them both now its quiet not with Nissan cats because they are garbage did you service line come on

#72 of 118 Re: Noise with Nissan altima 2.5L engine [redsymphony] by rayval

Mar 19, 2009 (9:41 am)

Replying to: redsymphony (Mar 19, 2009 8:59 am)
No, the service engine didn't come on. It sounds like the noise is coming from the top of the engine, ie: lifters, camshaft, that is not getting proper lubrication. The noise is a knocking sound, like solid on solid. It is definitely not a normal engine sound.

#73 of 118 Re: Noise with Nissan altima 2.5L engine [rayval] by 2007altima

Mar 19, 2009 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: rayval (Mar 19, 2009 9:41 am)
Judging from the postings in this forum and the fact that my 2007 Altima 2.5 is on engine number two and it still sounds the same, these are definitely not isolated cases.
 
My engine was replaced 6000 miles ago and the dreaded sound is back. I regret purchasing this car.

#74 of 118 2004 Altima 2.5L by dtownmil

Apr 03, 2009 (1:08 pm)

Replying to: 2007altima (Mar 19, 2009 3:54 pm)
Our 2.5L Altima definately has some rattles, but I am convinced they are heat sheilds. Based upon posts that say even dealers could not fix the rattles, I haven't even gotten under the car to see if I could do it. If it is just a loose heat sheild, there are lots of ways to fix it.
 
It seems those with newer models may have other issues by reading this post.

#75 of 118 Re: 2004 Altima 2.5L [dtownmil] by rayval

Apr 04, 2009 (8:42 am)

Replying to: dtownmil (Apr 03, 2009 1:08 pm)
Thanks for that!
 
I am going to ask the dealer to remove the heat shield completely and see what this does. Because of our strict laws on catalytic converters (ie: fire, etc..), the dealer may not be able/willing to remove the heat shield. If that is the case, I will crawl underneath the car and try to remove the heat shield without breaking it. Heat shields are a real nuisance , they rot and fall apart in no time and you have to pay a ton on money to replace them.. They are only there to prevent grass fires in the event that a person parks where there is dry grass, which I never do.
  
I'm expecting to bring the car in today (about the 7th time) for the rattle. I would be very surprised if the noise came from the heat shield it sounds more like a knocking that a rattle, but you never now.
 
I'll post as soon as I have anything new.

#76 of 118 I feel sorry for all of you by lmndbynissan

Apr 09, 2009 (5:29 pm)

I think Nissan is going the way of bad car companies. They sell lemons and don't back them up. It takes years for bad quality and service to catch up with a car company. I imagine market share for Nissan will shrink as people with bad experiences discuss them.
 
My experience with Nissan is this....They explain these "noise" issues away over and over until it you give up or it is out of warranty.
 
Then they tell you its the pre-catalytic converter, your engine will soon be toast and it's not worth fixing. Depending on how soon you catch it, a non Nissan Mechanic can fix it for a few grand, and you can expect it to last as long as the pre-catalytic converter does.....which is apparently a random thing.
 
It is really sad too, we've had 6 different cars over the yrs...4 Fords, a Chevy, a Buick, and another Nissan. The Altima cost us more money in repairs than the other 7 cars combined!! The Ford I traded in for the Altima was 12yrs old. My Altima lasted me 5yrs. My 17yr old Ford is probably still the better car.
 
That's just my experience...but I'm not alone. Nissan will not back up their cars. They are a bit like the American car companies back in the 70's.

#77 of 118 shakes by wstorm

May 23, 2009 (1:45 pm)

i am a new owner of a 2009 SL altima .i have owned it for one month yesterday. on the 4th day of owning it i had to take it back to the dealer because driving at any speed higher than 60 miles the front end somewhat shakes. the dealership had to balance the wheels and do a front wheel aliment. WOW i still am having this problem is any one else have this shimmy problem at any spreed

#78 of 118 help altima engine noise by jchd1340

May 26, 2009 (5:12 pm)

just picked up a used 07 2.5 altima with 29000 sounds like diesel on start up for 1 sec. dealer says its heat shield adjusted but noise is still there what do i do now need help

#79 of 118 07 08 09 altima 2.5 by jchd1340

May 31, 2009 (7:16 pm)

update= car back from dealer. says noise (like a bag of rocks ) is normal oil drains down starts like a diesel i feel this is slowly damaging the engine it is not the heat shields!! we all should contact nissan corp. BBB and attorney general. and complain. strength in numbers!!!

Messages Page 8 of 12

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