2000 Infiniti I30 making odd noises while driving

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Kompresshun
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First of all, i've been searching and trying to find out more information on this issue for months now but haven't been able to find anything that relates directly to this issue. I've had it checked out twice at the shop I use when i've had it there for service and they don't seem to be able to find anything serious.

Ok, now onto the issue. It's a 2000 Infiniti I30(auto, in case it wasn't obvious) with 142k miles on it. The noise begins once the car is under a moderate to heavy load under acceleration, usually between 30-40mph up to 60-70mph and usually is most consistent around half throttle. The noise sounds like it's coming from the passenger side front of the vehicle around the floorboard area, and sounds like a roaring/scrubbing noise. It roars almost consistently under load and the scrubbing seems to happen over bumps, the scrubbing almost sounds like the tire rubbing the inner fender but it isn't as far as I can tell. Here's what has been done in the past year: New bank 1 pre-cat, 2 new 02 sensors, both CV axles, outer tie rod ends, new pads and rotors on the front, 4 wheel alignment, fixed broken exhaust mount, new tires. They have also checked the wheel bearings and said that they were fine. I have inspected the struts and they seem fine as well.

When I first bought the car it was making the noise but it sounded closer to a light knocking noise under load, but now the roaring'/scrubbing noise has combined with that and is starting to worry me more. I've had the car for almost 3 years now and it never has caused any issues with the way it drives at all. It drives normal and shifts perfect so i'm still at a loss, I have been trying to not worry about it so much, since it's been this long, but it still drives me nuts because I can't figure out what it is :ohno:

Any insight on this would be great, if I can't find out anything soon then I guess I will quit worrying about it.


MaximA32

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Have you rotated the tires lately? How's the wear?

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Kompresshun
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No rotation yet, they have less than 2k miles on them though. So far the wear is looking good. I did notice the noise getting worse around the time I got my tires replaced, but I also had just replaced the cv axles, front brakes, and tie rod ends right before that(within a couple of weeks).

mr0x
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Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:10 am
Car: 1997 Infiniti I30 70K Miles

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Could be wheel bearings. Also, it could be simple as the dust thing behind the hub that gets bent and rubs with the hub. Jack it up and spin the wheel and see how it rotates.

JimmyCocks
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Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:23 pm
Car: 01 Infiniti I30T

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Hello-

New here too. Ive been pulling hair out with the same issue. Mine happens at low speeds when the car is driving straight or turning left... when I turn the wheel to the right it goes away. it seems somehow that is slowing the car down. I just put 4 brand new tires on it and it hasnt done a thing. I have read about the upper and lower strut bearing? ( I dont know if that makes sense.) funny thing is the noise started right after a brutal snowstorm which I was in the middle of. ( i live in CT and the aforementioned blizzard was about a month ago if anyone knows what Im talking about).
On to another question- pulling into my driveway tonight I ran over and dragged 2 cinderblock size pieces of ice underneath my car. I hope to god I didnt destroy anything but Im wondering, perhaps stupidly if thier is anything in particular on the undercarrige of my car i should be worried about... meaning exhaust fuel lines etc. ( 01 I30t)
any help, suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. Im hoping thier are a few nissan mechanics on this site

MaximA32

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Jimmy, your issue could be a wheel bearing as well. Jack up the front and spin the wheel. When you spin the wheel, put your hand on the spring and see if you feel anything that doesn't feel "right"

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Kompresshun
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Ok guys, I took my car to the shop again today. They checked everything over and said it all looked excellent, come to find out the splash shield on the passenger side had come loose a little, which was rubbing the tire when the suspension moved. Problem solved, it was hard to see though so that's why I couldn't ever find it(seeing as I don't have a lift at home, just a small floor jack and stands).

The issue above does sound more like a wheel bearing though, mine wasn't making it that kind of noise while at low speeds or turning. Strut bearings are possible too, but I would check the wheel bearings first. Also take a look at your CV shafts while you've got it up in the air, just to be safe.


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