How To Find Engine Noises -EricTheCarGuy
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- Опубликовано: 14 авг 2024
- So this 1997 Nissan Altima came in with a really bad engine noise. At first I thought it was the alternator but it turned out to be something else. You'll have to watch the video to find out what. The purpose of this video is to show a logical method of finding an engine noise like this. If it's a rotational noise like this was, I like to start by removing the drive belts one at a time. If you remove all the drive belts and you still hear the noise, it's something inside the engine. Could be the timing belt or chain. Either way, you're going to have to dig deeper if removing the belts doesn't reveal the source of the noise. Below is a link to a video I did on finding noises that may also help you. Along with an article I wrote about the same topic. So if you have an engine noise you can use that information to help you find the source.
Useful links.
Finding Noises Video: • How To Find A Noise - ...
Finding Noises Article: www.ericthecarg...
Misfire Diagnosis on this engine: • 1997 Nissan Altima Mis...
Intake gasket replacement Part 1: • 1997 Nissan 2.4L Intak...
Intake gasket replacement Part 2: • 1997 Nissan 2.4L Intak...
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ETCG
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It's pretty easy to diagnose the source of the sound with an assistant and a stethoscope.
1. Have your assistant put the stethoscope on, making sure the earphones are placed snugly in the ear canal.
2. Place the other end of the stethoscope near your mouth.
3. Scream as loudly as possible into the stethoscope.
4. Slap your assistant around and tell him to 'quit screwing around, we have a job to do here.'
I learned this method from my father, a retired mechanic who watched the Three Stooges his whole life.
yessss!!
I always use a small press to remove and replace bearings.
I learn so much from you, thank you. All of the little stuff, the stuff you cannot find online when you Google search a car issue. I wanted to get better at working on cars but I never had guidance, training, busy with college and career for 10 years. Now, a few times a week, I watch your videos, and I am learning so much. In the past year I have become better tenfold because of you. Ultimately, you are increasing my confidence. I tackled many more repairs this year because I felt like I could do it. Thank you kind sir.
Thanks Eric. I jumped the gun, immediately assuming it was the alternator. Your extra effort to find the true cause of the noise was very helpful and reminded me to do my due diligence before throwing parts at a problem.
You know what is funny, when i heard that noise when he started the vehicle. You will find this sound DAILY on the Wal-Mart parking lots!!! NO KIDDING!
Michel Linschoten Now you know what is making the noise. Have them watch this video.
Cool, calm, collective Eric. Forget George Clooney, I want Eric to tell me how to fixed my space capsule to get me from space to Earth.
Love space , love Carl Sagan. Love fixing and helping others to understand mechanical stuff, love Eric The Car Guy.
Definitely Eric is the most handsome mechanic out there.
Damn he's good! This was the exact same noise my 2002 Civic EX was making, turned out to be an 18 year old A/C compressor.
Concise instructions, visually easy to learn, and very well spoken. Thanks Eric, you're a legend!
I have the exact same noise in my Volvo S80 from 2000. I have suspected the alternator myself but after this video I understand that it can be anything else nearby. Thanks Eric you’re best. Greetings from Sweden.
I'm very glad to have found this video cause my 1998 Altima was making the exact same engine noise. I feared it would turn out to be camshaft or timing chain related. I removed the AC tensioner pulley and the bearings were nearly completely frozen up. The engine is now is very quiet and even feels like it has better response. Who knows, perhaps my fuel efficiency will increase as well. Again, thank you for taking the time to post such great videos!
I enjoyed the two (2) videos on bearing problems. The problems were diagnosed correctly and so, I will subscribe; thanks Eric.
Thanks for putting driveway diagnostics videos up. It seems that with your video the only way crooked mechanics can rip people off is by NOT telling the customer whats really wrong with their car.
Wish I could take my car to you sometimes. I have to admit I've repaired some stuff with help of your videos. So thanks!! I have a '98 Altima and still kicking with over 210k miles on it.
I wish I could take my old 2001 jeep grand cherokee for a tune up to you, You seem like a honest mechanic!
Erick you done a great job.... I usually do my own repairs. But everytime I get confused about something I run to your videos and they always help!!! Keep it up brother and god bless
Hi Eric.
Brilliant, Thank you,
You show a great illustration of what to do and you are not talking for 30 minutes before actually showing what to do, best video for car repair I have seen on You tube. (or anywhere actually) please keep it up , well done, Ohh and you actually know what your doing...Regards John.
Im glad there are good guys like you how take te time and effort to post a great video for non proffesionals en diy's. Keep up the good work Eric. There should be more people like you.. !
To determine which engine accessory is making a noise I just use a 3/4 inch rubber hose about 2 feet long,, put one end in my ear and f move the other end from one place to another like a stethoscope,,, the noise will be loudest on the unit with the problem
Good idea, I know nothing about engines, pumps, s. But a ticking whirring noise sounds like it's coming from one of the parts attached with the belts. I'll try that idea and see what I find. Times like these a gal would like to have a man around...U know, the honey do list....lol!
Dear Eric, love your videos always. I know that you probably informed the client that by summer time, it would be good idea to change the AC compressor bearing as I heard a slight hissing noise from it when the car started and as you spin it by hand. This way we can enjoy having a nice video on that subject, in addition to vacuuming the system to -150 PSI to check for leaks and of course giving the compressor a dose of special oil before the refrigerant to keep it smoothly operating . Hope you do that video. Have a nice time.
Thank you Eric. I like your way of explaining things. It makes automotive repair less scary! Keep these videos coming please.
I had a customer in my auto parts store the other day buying a serp. belt. On the off chance I mentioned that he should inspect all his pulleys before reinstalling the belt to make sure all the pulleys rolled easily. He thanked me for the tip and an hour later he was back in buying a water pump that was seized. Always consider what can also cause a part to fail instead of just reinstalling any part.
My Father's 19997 Malibu Sounds the same, but does stop at times.
Excellent Video Eric !
I don't even have any repairs to do. I just like the skills man. good work.
I was brought a 1999 olds intrigue that was run low on oil, not completely out but low enough to set the light. It had a clatter sound like lifters had been eaten up, but the sound wasn't coming from the area of the engine that you would expect. Long story short, I traced it to the water pump that had a very, very small amount of play in the shaft, just enough that you could feel it. MAYBE 1/32 of an inch total, but the play was enough that it made a clatter sound as it spun with the belt. Once I replaced the pump, there was no more noise.
Old timer taught me the best way to diag alternator pullys, disconnect the connector and listen for a pitch change. Blew my mind lol
Thanks Eric! I have a Toyota Corolla that has an odd whiny noise. Will take apart some items like you said. Hopefully, it isn't gonna be bad. Blue skies!
You are providing such a valuable service to the world. Thank you, Dr Eric!
Hi. I've got an unmodified 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, 164,000 miles, 3.3L V6, 5 speed automatic transmission. Owned by an elderly couple...treated well. Runs smoothly.
10w-30 oil/filter is new and full. Same with transmission fluid.
When it's first started it knocks or loudly rattles for 3 seconds. Then it stops. Once warm it will only do the startup rattle about 50% of the time. Exact same noise returns from about 1,800 to 3,200 RPM and then stops. Also, the noise quiets and sometimes disappears between 1,800 - 3,200 RPM if I let off of the accelerator and coast. It also will not do it sometimes if I'm going up a steep hill slowly with the RPMs are in that midrange, under the hill's load.
The noise increases in speed and loudness with increasing RPMs. It sounds like 1 or maybe 2 cylinders of the 6, to me.
The main bearings and rod bearings were changed. Looked good, some rod bearing wear on a couple but not serious. No rod or crank shaft slop was noted before or after replacement. Made no difference in the noise. The crank was NOT sanded/polished.
It throws a P1400 code for EGRC Solenoid Valve error. I don't notice any idling or power issues though. It returns within a few minutes after clearing the code. Could this cause a knocking noise at certain times like I have? It runs smooth cold and hot.
I've narrowed it down to 5 things based on its part time occurrence:
1. Flex plate?
2. Timing belt tensioner failing (unknown when last changed)?
3. Torque converter?
4. Hydraulic lifters?
5. EGRC Solenoid Valve?
I have two short videos I recorded it and can share if you want to hear it. Thanks!
My dad has a 1998 nissan altima that was beginning to make some quite extreme noises, especially above 2 or 3k rpm, he cut off his A/C belt and every bit of noise went away and it sounded a million times better. No ac of course, but still! lol good video
Instead of hammering the new bearing in you can use a piece of wood or even the old bearing and just press it in using the vice! this way you wont damage anything:)
That's what I thought too.
I've heard that sound before on my '94 Dakota and, just as with this car, the culprit turned out to be a bad idler pulley bearing. Very menacing, loud sound! I was expecting a far worse problem, and was pleasantly surprised to discover it wasn't anything serious. Whew!
Very Cool Eric, I'm the guy that gave you that link on the 1980 Fairmont Optima battery thing.
Good video, but you forgot to mention something: If the belt that you remove drive the water pump, do NOT let the engine run for longer than what you need it. Think about what the water pump is for: circulating the coolant in the engine, no pump, no circulation, which mean that the engine will overheat if you leave it running too long. It do not take that long.
I've been asking for the video, that shows how to replace old-style v-belts for my 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. Now I understand how to replace them.
I've worked on this engine (KA24DE) before in a newer Altima, and there's a relatively easily accessible tension pulley (which went bad on mine too, both of them) on the second belt that drives the alternator and all that that can be turned instead of taking off the first belt. These engines are also famous for rattling timing chains on the top guide which can be safely and easily removed.
2 things, first off I noticed the cv joint was still torn on the right side. Secondly you forgot to mention what happened with the a/c clutch.
I'm not a professional mechanic but i love first hand experience when diagnosing a problem. Very hard when getting a stumbled explaination from someone
Dude your videos are amazing, the pace at which you work, and the little tips that you throw in are always helpful 👍🏽
I have pretty good success using a long stethoscope and probing on the alternator, pulley bolts, brackets etc. As long as the spinning part has a non moving part attached to it the noise will travel and makes diagnosis very easy and quick without removing belts. Just be careful and don't let the probe touch anything that moves lol.
A big screw driver makes a good stethoscope too!
as soon as i heard the noise i thought alternator...10yrs in the trade aswell it pays to check!
Nice job on that repair, I was thinking power steering when I first heard it.
What is the purpose of the yellow lenses on your safety glasses?
It makes world looks cool.
The passenger side axle boot is torn and might need to be replaced also the power steering is leaking somewhere! Good video, thanks
only one minute into this video so far, and I immediately thought to myself "BAD A/C COMPRESSOR!!" I only think this so far, because when I reinstalled the a/c belt on my '98 Civic last November, the compressor was obviously shot and made that same exact noise, which made me realize the real reason the previous owner took the belt off. He told me he did it to increase horsepower and save gas. Yeah, whatever. Unfortunately I don't have time to to watch this, I'll get back to watching it later.
Good video Eric, not what I was looking for but I watched the whole video just because.
Subscribed AND liked, you easily know what you are talking about and every question I HAD through this video was answered as it went along (Power steering fluid on your gloves was one of them)
learned something new, thanks erik your awesome. my automotive knowledge gets better with your channel.
I thought it was the alternator too at first. Thank you for the trouble shooting tips!
I appreciate your videos man . I have a 98 chevy malibu that started tapping then knocking then stalled out as i tried to get home it was also idleing higher than usual can you give me any suggestions ? thanks Jim
i watched alot of videos from this guy, he's one of the best tutorial instructors I've seen thus far on RUclips. keep it going man .
I use a piece of wood on my jack to stop it from scraping the paint. Rubber just splits. You can also use a hockey puck on the hydraulic jack, they work well and stay in place.
in my experience with skateboard bearings, fresh bearings have more resistance than broken in ones. resistance is also a function of the lube. thicker lube is slower, but generally lasts longer.
You should have used only the outer race of the old bearing for hammering the new bearing in! Normal ball bearings have axial play and by hammering stacked bearings like you did you will apply axial load to the lower bearing too :(
I will be mindfull of this next and first tine.
Better yet. Use the vice as a press. Just did this. Worked great
This video made me miss my 1997 Altima that was a great car that never gave me any major issues the 15 years and 260,000 miles I owned it :-\
Pls help I have my suzuki mkng noise bt is from the side of the fen bell
I used to be a Chevy guy, still am for the most part as far as style and looks go. But once I started working on and getting familiar with Japanese vehicles, Nissan, Honda, Subaru... my bias virtually disappeared. the only time I've ever cussed a Japanese vehicle was doing an intake gasket on this particular engine he's working on, which he has a video on and even he had a tough time with so I don't feel so bad lol and a Honda Civic or maybe it was an accord 1.7 litre I beleive.... removing the left (driver's side) cooling fan. which was really my own fault for rushing and not doing a bit of research when I noticed there was literally NO room for removal , but if I had researched sooner I would've found there are two different clever ways of removing that fan without too much extra work and that they even redesigned new replacement fans that were of a slimmer profile for easier r and r. other than those two things every Japanese car I've ever worked on were a breeze. my very first timing belt was a Honda Odyssey with the 3.5 l v6 , with very little service information I was able to get through it without a hitch, their timing marks are easy to line up and understand and timing belt hardware easy to r and r, easy water pump, cam and crank seals were easy, plenty of access , minimal things to have to move to gain that access.... job went off without a hitch... the only thing that could have messed me up but luckily didn't... if your used to SBC timing chain marks, and their dots, you could get the crank mark wrong cuz there's a dot AND an arrow, but common sense should prevail and intuition should lead you to aligning the arrow with the other arrow lol I don't know why I just wrote this super long rant on here.....I really don't... maybe it's cuz I have no freinds to talk to... and perhaps because going on RUclips and watching car repair videos is almost my only form of entertainment these days cuz I'm a nerd. I don't know of anybody else that watches videos for entertainment purposes only about things they do day in and day out....I need a life....lol
Excellent video to find an annoying noise....thanks for share...
hey Eric, looks like that CV axel boot is torn also, thats gonna need replacing before long too!
Great job, Its a good demo for catching the bad guy.
I too had what I thought was a bad alternator, well the decoupler(not sure of spelling) pulley. Ended up being the idler pulley on my 2007 Chrysler Town and Country, while I was doing the replacement of the idler I also did the tensioner pulley as well only because I didn't like the way it felt when doing the rolling with my hand. Nice and quiet now.
This is the first useful video I've seen here in quite a while. Great job.
i had this problem with my 67 mustang where the car would vibrate at 55 and above but if i downshifted to 2nd it would stop then the car would clatter like a bad cv axel when i turned left. i found my transmission mount was no good replaced it no more clatter vibration went away until i hit 65 a while later i had to replace my rear main oil seal had to pull the engine out the transmission to engine bolts were only finger tight when i put it back it in. and re-tightened all the the nuts and bolts involved the vibrations are gone ive taken it to 75 and still good
That idler pulley is $49. Isn't it easier to save some labor and just by the whole thing? Time is money
Eric, I'll stay dirty if you stay awesome.
thanks for the vid
Mister Eric i think because of you i've found where that noise is coming from in my car. I am gonna give it a try and find out.. hopefully..
Thank you Eric,after I watch your Video it help me some idea how to fix the car noise .
Just went through this noise myself. Thought it was the idler pulley at first, then the tensioner. Thankfully I kept playing with pulleys and different things and realized it was the Power Steering Pump. Noises can do weird things. Now the noise is gone after a new pump and fluid.
When confronted with a similar situation, as soon as I first start up the car I'll turn the steering wheel back and forth a little. If it's the power steering pump, the problem is detected right there and then, often without even popping the hood. I then pop the hood if that's the case and see if it's a leak or the pump's just worn. or if there's no sound change from steering I know to immediately look at other things.
This helped tremendously, have the same noise on my 02 Sentra SE-R. Also thought the alternator but will check the water pump and other pulleys, thanks!
Great vid. Now I know where to look when my vehicles have similar noises. Thanks Eric!
Hi ETCG, you know, bearings are delicate machined pieces, the correct process of removal and reinstalling one is by using heat, its better to hear up the pulley and install the bearing as the heat expands the hole where the bearing seats, once it cools down it tightens the bearing.
Heat up*
fernando13e Bearings are really tough, in almost all applications bearing are made of a much harder steel than the housing material. You can use heat to install or remove a bearing but only if you really need to because it takes much more time and you risk to screw up a heat treated part. Almost all bearing are installed by press. I must admit that the bearing with a hammer is not the most "smooth" way to do it,try to screw it in with c-clamp, screwing it in gives alot of control and makes it easy to install enven with the tightest tolerances.
Haha I had an '89 Dakota 3.9L. It once had an annoying, but random tink noise. It would go tink....tink tink...........tink lol. A few days later the alternator seized. The tink was the alternator fan hitting the housing as the bearings were failing.
Thanks for the great video clip! The only thing I might have done differently is to use the right size bolt, socket and some backing plate to press fit the bearing in place instead of striking it with a hammer.
I am JP from Australia, n have a noise coming from the ENGINE when it is IDLING but stops when it moving > i have shown it to few mechanics, I have a TOYOTA YARIS 2006 1.3 Lt engine auto 5 dr.
Eric you are the man. Many ways to skin a cat. But you are right up there with the best.
Hey Eric,
big fan; its been a while since i tuned in to your channel and i am glad to see you landed this garage! looks spacious. Anyway your videos helped me out with my integra and i am thinking of rebuilding my engine. Basically because the engine was good to me if you know what i mean. on the OFF chance that you read this let me know if you take on projects i am from CA btw.
Thanks for your videos SAVED money with them.
I have a 1990 Nissan Stanza With the KA24E and I believe the 1997 altima has the KA24DE, same block different head.
your a real teacher Eric. Good job
Thank you very much for the video.
I have a similar noise from the same place, and just randomly typed "engine noises" into d'tube and this popped up first, nice one. I'm hoping it's just a bearing for me too..
Anyone else noticed the ripped CV boot? :D
My first thought was a Power-Steering pump -- I had a Ford Taurus that made that exact noise, and it turned out to be the PS pump. But clearly I was wrong on this one. :-)
Easy fix -- lucky Altima owner. :-)
Is that CV boot starting to separate?
Good video. My 97 maxima is making an identical noise, but after changing the idler pulley, it's still making that same exact same noise! Frustrating
Hi eric your video help me a lot and it's very clear thanks
Nice going. I would have sworn that was the PS on my Chrysler minivan.
Just a simple pice of hose works good to find noises.. Hold it to your ear, and move the other end around till you hear only that noise... Try it, works well..
Eric, My question, before I replace the water pump is this, "Can the water pump make a chirping noise when it is starting to go bad." Mine started making the noise here recently and using an automotive stethoscope I believe the noise is coming from the water pump, but it's tough to say for certain. I removed the serpentine belt and ran the engine and the noise went away. Once I put the belt back on, the noise returned.
thanks Eric totally awesome. that ringing is the same noise in my car. Will have to check it out.
Now how 'bout that leaking high pressure power steering line? ;)
Hammering bearings in can damage the new bearing. Best thing is to press new bearing into place. Use a press machine. If you don't mind doing double the work, then hammer it in. Same thing happened to my car, same method by a mechanic I know. 1 week later the bearing failed. Took it to the shop. Head Technician said, "yeah that's a one week job" " Hammering bearings in". Save your self time.
I see that the boot was loose on the outer CV joint on the passenger side.
Had that been a Ford, I'd said the power steering pump was low on fluid.
yellowbusguy bro I used to be able to make money on calling what vehicle was pulling up outside the shop without looking with my co-workers, and that's how I did it was if I heard that Ford PS pump whine I'd quickly make my bet for any takers lol
I thought it was the alternator too, I'm assuming that you spun the alternator checking the bearings. and I like your sign off, "stay dirty" , cus you will!
Fast forward to no snow and a two post lift! Life is good.
Do you use a piece of wood under the pinch weld before lifting? I hate the previous owner of my car that he just jacked it up with just the metal floor jack plate. Worst mistake in jacking up a car.
Eric, the CV shaft boot is torn! Yeah, more than a year late... :)
I've noticed on alternators going bad they usually make a squeak noise plus the bearing grinding noise. Just my experiences though.
I saw another video someplace as to another trick to finding an engine noise. By using the longest flathead screwdriver you have and the business end of the screwdriver on the suspected noise area and put the handle end in you ear and it will act like a stethoscope. Not sure just how effective this is since I never tried it myself or in your case putting and screwdriver at or near a moving part/s and making the handle of the screwdriver smack ya in the face.
My first guess was the power steering pump. Turning the wheel back and forth is usualy a quick way to find out.
If there is no noise on Idling, but when the car starts to move it develops knocking sound, which gets maximum around 45 mph, can it still be engine noise, or it is more likely the suspension? Thank you for the informative film.
Hi eric !
I believe you should use grease when you install bearings, which I didn't see you doing.
good luck
Eric is using a sealed bearing, genius. Outer bearings are the ones that need grease.
When Eric said to remove the belt(s) to find the noise. I'm sure he didn't mean the timing belt. Even though the timing belt also runs the water pump on Renault Clio engines! Just so as we are clear.
Jane
We don't have Clio's here in the US, or any Renaults for that matter. I'd love to have Clio V6 RS here in the states, cool car P
Should you grease the bearing before installing it? Is it recommended? Thanks in advance.