2004 Max - Timing Chain rattle ?

[HeryMax]

I have just bought a Maxima 2004 SL with 98k miles. My wife believe that there is something wrong with the engine sound. I believe it is normal, but I would like to know what you guys think. This is my first Maxima, so I can't tell if the engine sound is normal or if there is something wrong with it.

Here is the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whGToDowHzs

Thanks guys.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The VQ's actually pretty notorious for its noisy valvetrain, especially at idle.
It's hard to get a good measure on the volume from the video (which has great audio quality, but nothing else to really judge the noise against). That rattling/clicking at idle is completely normal with the VQ, though. Most Maxima and G35 guys are pretty familiar with that sound. Oftentimes you can even hear it even with the hood closed.

[loystock]

I agree with the Minister. It's difficult to say if that noise level is normal or not, based on the video alone. Check if that noise only happens with the air-conditioning ON. If so, problem could be with the clutch assembly or the compressor itself. Another possibility is the Idler Pulley ( impending bearing failure). Check the condition of the belts and alignment with the pulleys. It would be better to use a mechanic's stethoscope (or improvise with a long screwdriver) to isolate the noise problem. You can also apply BG Quick Clean just before your next oil change and see if there is any improvement.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

On my 95 I think the timing chain is rattling I think. ONce the car warms up , the noise
goes away. Has to do with the chain tensioner becoming worn. Will replace when
car needs a new water pump. 185K and still holding on. Of course it could be the cam chain
tensioners-its hard to tell.

[HeryMax]

The VQ's actually pretty notorious for its noisy valvetrain, especially at idle.
It's hard to get a good measure on the volume from the video (which has great audio quality, but nothing else to really judge the noise against). That rattling/clicking at idle is completely normal with the VQ, though. Most Maxima and G35 guys are pretty familiar with that sound. Oftentimes you can even hear it even with the hood closed.

Thanks for your opinion Minister. Here is the record of the engine sound from inside the car. Pretty much all the noise is filtered out, and only the evenly intervaled "dud dud dud dud dud dud ....." sound left.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dD7VN74 ... 56a05d8b4d

[HeryMax]

I agree with the Minister. It's difficult to say if that noise level is normal or not, based on the video alone. Check if that noise only happens with the air-conditioning ON. If so, problem could be with the clutch assembly or the compressor itself. Another possibility is the Idler Pulley ( impending bearing failure). Check the condition of the belts and alignment with the pulleys. It would be better to use a mechanic's stethoscope (or improvise with a long screwdriver) to isolate the noise problem. You can also apply BG Quick Clean just before your next oil change and see if there is any improvement.

I have turned off the A/C to make sure that it is not interfering. I will follow your suggestion before my next oil change.