3.5 Engine Noise after warm

[EazyMango]

Hello, I have a 2005 3.5SE with 92,000 miles on her the problem is she sounds like a diesel after I have driven it for awhile, normally it takes a good 20 to 30 minute drive before the sound starts to resonate.

Purrs like a kitten when fired up in the morning and it don't seem to loose any power after it warms up and the sound makes itself apparent.

The best way I can describe the sound is it sounds like a diesel at idle, not noticeable at driving speeds only at stop lights or in park and it becomes louder after fully warmed up after a long drive.

Any help would be appreciated since all the Nissan dealer has to say about it, the car has 90,000 miles on it.

[IBCoupe]

I don't have any idea, but I'll brainstorm with ya. Had an oil change recently?

EDIT: Doesn't sound like piston slap, does it?

[EazyMango]

Not sure could be,
What's wild is that it's more noticeable in the cab with the windows rolled up than it is standing outside the car or under the hood.

[rcboy514]

exhaust leak?

[EazyMango]

no.. it has knocking sound to it ..
Gonna take into the shop tomorrow and let someone listen to her after a long drive around town.

It couldn't be the Cat warming up resonating that sound could it, that would be right under the front dash.

[QR25DE]

Plugged cat? Get them to check the temperature of the cat at idle. A plugged cat could cause this.

[EazyMango]

Had a mechanic take a look at it yesterday and he said the noise is emanating from the oil pan, via camshaft bearing..

Jebus if the bearing goes will it cause major damage?
Also any ideas on keeping it lubricated better than standard 5w30

[QR25DE]

You mean crankshaft bearing? There is no way to lube this more than putting oil in the motor. The bearing needs to be replaced. I would suggest doing all of them at the same time.

If the bearing goes, kiss your motor good bye.

[Jkrstls]

I have a 2005 altima se 3.5 same exact noise, I have 90 000 miles and the noise sounds like a marble knocking on something at idle and low rpm only when hot and only from the inside of the car, any ideas of what it could be? Was your car ever diognosed?

[sstroudwku]

I recently worked on a 2005 maxima with a similar sound. narrowed it down to the oil pump failing. The pump is crank driven and you're looking at 16hrs of labor to replace the $60 part. You may as well have the secondary timing chains replaced as well. The secondary tensioner shoes are known for wearing out. The replacement shoes are a newer composite plastic that doesnt wear out as quickly. Depending on the weight of your oil though the sound could be a primary slack guide "it rides the primary timing chain on the tension side". The top of the guide breaks off it causes the shoe to slide down the guide and the chain will slap the top of the metal bracket, makes it sound like a desiel at idle, under load you cant hear it because the chain is under load. Chains will cost you around 9 hours of labor and 400 in parts.