CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

Nissan Rogue forum - Includes Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Dualis as well.
daytrippr
Posts: 181
Joined: Mon May 05, 2008 1:56 pm
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

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philipa_240sx wrote:... There is some differences in the AWD & FWD transmissions including the case design, transfer case, and possibly an external oil cooler.
The first time I had my Rogue checked, the dealer noted that the trans fluid looked dark (like burnt?) it would make sense that if the oil cooler is faulty then perhaps the chain isn't getting sufficiently lubricated.

This was with only 3,500 miles on my Rogue, btw


Goblin
Posts: 182
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Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Premium Pkg.

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philipa_240sx wrote:I honestly think the dealer has alot to do with how you are being treated and not Nissan USA.
I agree completely. I have horrible service and customer care since day one. I won't relive that but when I went to pick up the Rogue at Victory Nissan in Chantilly VA, the new serv. mgr. Tony, was very in my face and told me he wasn't going to argue with me about not fixing the car. OMG! I went off. He said he was taking my Rogue and parking it in the street and I could walk down there and get it. I went at him and they called the police. I went to the rental and he asked what are you doing. I said it will be down there in the street when you bring mine. Then he threw my keys at me and said my car was parked to the right of the building. I tried to get him to meet me in the street but his sorry a$$ wouldn't do it. Yeah, I'd say the service here sucks! Needless to say I will probably trade it for something else as Nissan and the dealer have no intention of honoring their sales agreement.

Ticmxman
Posts: 341
Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:42 am
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL 2WD Gotham Gray

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Sorry to hear your frustration but how about a little courtesy, professionalism and dignity and then if your not satisfied find another dealer or go up the customer service ladder. I have always had better results by staying calm rather than "going off" but you do what you want after all it's working well so far.

Goblin
Posts: 182
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 4:39 pm
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Premium Pkg.

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You know it started that way but when someone tells you to deal with it and they won't fix the problem until it fails because the dealership doesn't want to be out 5K, blah blah. I'm sorry f** 'em. I have nothing to loose at that point. The obviously feel no obligation to fix the problem. This is a brand new vehicle the least they could do is fix it. I shouldn't have to kiss anyone's a$$, I'm the frigging customer already.

Ticmxman
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Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL 2WD Gotham Gray

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I agree you shouldn't have to kiss ***. Find a new dealer and share your experience about the old dealer to many.

paulvanharte
Posts: 193
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:10 am
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD
Carbon Silver

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For all of us Canadians. I talked to my service manager this morning and Nissan Canada is aware of the problem and are reviewing. They assured the service manager this is not a safety issue. The manager said there are several with more mileage than ours that do it as well.On the bright side, its covered under the 5 years or 100000km warrantyPaul

philipa_240sx
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Thanks for updating us Paul.

Like the door sill scratching issue, I would rather Nissan take thier time and diagnose the problem correctly. Hopefully this results in a permanant fix rather than replacing a transmission and hoping it won't reoccur.

squazimo
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Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:20 am
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue AWD SLW

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my car makes a grinding sound when going at speeds under 20 miles per hour. it does it going downhill. after barking, after a speedbump. and randomly.i have taken my rogue sl-awd drive in 3 times to various dealers. finally at my 2nd oil change - the dealer couldn't find the sound and said they would call nissan. the service manager told me that nissan told him there was a transmission problem, and that they have a technical service bulletin about it, but they don't have a part or a fix for it yet. i am waiting for a recall.

i am generally pleased with the car - but a faulty transmission is not ok.


BigPapi'sRogue
Posts: 19
Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:42 am

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I had my appointment today for what I thought was this problem, since the symptoms are remarkably the same - grinding/rattling noise at very low <5mph speeds. I was told the transmission was perfectly fine, but that one of my front drive axle boots was "binding" especially at low speeds and during turns, and that is where my noise is coming from. Anyways, I am waiting a few days for a new one of these to arrive. My Rogue has 4000 miles, and the dealer said this is a rare occurence.

KenHash
Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:10 am
Car: 2008 Rogue SL AWD

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Could someone who has this sound please try to post a sound clipso we have some idea of what we should be listening for?

Thank you

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kerrton
Posts: 2161
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Location: Southern Alberta, Canada

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I imagine it isn't that easy to capture the sound with a recording device because there will be other sounds that mask it like the engine, tire noise etc.. I don't really think it should really be necessary either, the descriptions of the sound are that it is a "grinding rattle", but really the bottom line is that you should not hear any sound coming from your transmission if everything is working properly. If you do hear a sound similar to the description coming from the transmission then you've probably got the problem. Don't worry about exactly what it sounds like, just listen for something out of the ordinary that generally fits with the description, if you hear nothing but the sound of the engine at low speeds that I'm sure you're good. But that is just my opinion, I just can't imagine trying to record a sound coming from the transmission while sitting in the drivers seat....

Goblin
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Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Premium Pkg.

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I agree Kerrton, you should not hear any noise out of the ordinary or that is not representative of the engine. The sound I'm told is coming from the CVT chain which becomes loose due to a lack in pressure. Nissan is trying to come up with a solution to this loss in pressure. Supposedly, Nisan will no longer authorizing new transmissions because they don't believe its actually the transmission that's the problem. Anyhow, I'm no technician and can only regurgitate what I'm told.

mistergib
Posts: 160
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Car: 2008 Silver Nissan Rogue AWD SL

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Goblin wrote:I agree Kerrton, you should not hear any noise out of the ordinary or that is not representative of the engine. The sound I'm told is coming from the CVT chain which becomes loose due to a lack in pressure. Nissan is trying to come up with a solution to this loss in pressure. Supposedly, Nisan will no longer authorizing new transmissions because they don't believe its actually the transmission that's the problem. Anyhow, I'm no technician and can only regurgitate what I'm told.
...this is the second time I have read about the "chain" ??? ...other people technically familiar with the cvt's keep saying that the cvt hasbelts, no chains....so, I'm befuddled here..... If the transmission is not the problem, then where is the chain located???

maybe somebody can chime in here and explain the "chain" thing, if itactually exists or not, and where its at?? I don't know.... ???

Check out the following post from another forum: "08 Nissan Rogue CVT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Xtronic CVT differs from conventional automatic transmissions by featuring an infinitely variable gear ratio between its lowest and highest gears. Whereas a traditional automatic transmission typically makes large ratio jumps from one static gear to the next, the Xtronic CVT flows smoothly by transitioning through gear ratios with the feel of one perfectly calibrated gear.

The latest, third-generation Xtronic CVT retunes a number of features to improve performance, including the use of a smaller, more efficient oil pump; the adoption of a compact chain drive for 2.0-liter engine applications (which reduces the transmission size as a whole); and improvement of the precision of the pulley diameter control, allowing for more efficient belt pressure, more reliable torque transfer and improved fuel economy.

“Across the industry, manufacturers are sacrificing performance for efficiency and economy,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “But we refuse to detract from the Nissan driving experience. The expanded use of our advanced Xtronic CVT is the ideal way to offer sporty performance and fuel efficiency in one package.”How Xtronic CVT Works While automatic and manual transmissions use multiple gear sets with an integral clutch and bands to achieve separate gear ratios, Xtronic CVT uses an infinitely adjustable ratio design. For example, instead of jumping from a 2nd gear ratio of 1.950 to a 3rd gear ratio of 1.392, Xtronic CVT can rapidly progress through 1.950, 1.949, 1.948 - stepping seamlessly through 1.392 as the diameter of its pulleys gradually adjust. Because of this progression, the Xtronic CVT “changes” ratios with no perceptible pauses, jerks or lurches, virtually eliminating traditional shift shock.

Each pulley is composed of two stout cones, each point facing the other, similar to a yo-yo. A steel belt with a V-shaped cross section connects the cones. As the engine speed increases, the cones of the drive pulley slowly come together, gradually pushing the belt further from the pulley’s axis. Simultaneously, the driven pulley’s cones are moving farther apart, easing the belt closer to the axis of the driven pulley.

The pulleys are controlled to proportionately expand and contract so the ratio of the drive diameters between the two pulleys can be varied over a wide range. The Xtronic CVT offers a spread of “gear” ratios between its lowest and highest range (2.371:1 to 0.439:1 for the 3.5-liter V6 engine; 2.349:1 to 0.394:1 for the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine; 2.349:1 to 0.394:1 for the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 2.561:1 to 0.427:1 for the 1.5-liter through 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engines).

At the heart of the Xtronic CVT is a high-strength, flexible steel belt. The strength of this belt enables the transmission to handle a high amount of torque input, fitting for multiple sizes, displacements and power levels of different Nissan engines.

Xtronic CVT offers a number of benefits over traditional automatic or manual transmissions. The most obvious benefit is the smooth ratio changes, versus the “clunk” of a shifting transmission that is familiar to most drivers. In eliminating these “steps,” the Xtronic CVT allows the engine to run closer to its optimal rpm, rather than dipping below or working above it like an automatic or manual transmission. By maintaining ideal engine speed and avoiding unnecessary engine rpm, the Xtronic CVT optimizes fuel economy and emissions performance.

For additional fuel economy, Xtronic CVT offers an expanded torque converter lockup range. While a conventional automatic transmission locks up in the mid-to-high speed range, a traditional CVT transmission only benefits from the torque converter at startup. Recognizing this, Nissan engineered the Xtronic CVT torque converter with a lockup range that extends further into lower speeds, allowing for a better range of manual-transmission-like direct transfer of efficient engine power.Additionally, Xtronic CVT has numerous other advantages over conventional CVT transmissions. Xtronic CVT boasts a wider gear ratio, which allows for improvements in both performance and economy. And, thanks to smaller minimum drive pulley radius, Xtronic CVT delivers better acceleration performance than traditional CVTs, and its smaller minimum driven pulley radius allows for better fuel economy."


philipa_240sx
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The reference made above refers to the CVT used in Sentra (and possibly the Versa) which uses a chain drive in addition to the belt for packaging reasons... it supposedly makes the transmission more compact.

The CVT operation is quite simple. It is indeed a belt but, instead of a rubber belt that operates on tension, it's a steel belt that operates on compression. It's akin to pushing a wagon with blocks of wood (the CVT steel belt) or pulling it with a rope (the rubber belt). You can exert much more force on the blocks, much more than a rope could handle. This breakthrough along with the metallurgy and CVT fluid is what makes it possible to transmit close to 300hp on a single steel belt.

Maybe a little YouTube Vid will explain things... (it's in Japanese BTW)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABaJidk9SJA

mistergib
Posts: 160
Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:16 am
Car: 2008 Silver Nissan Rogue AWD SL

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philipa_240sx wrote:The reference made above refers to the CVT used in Sentra (and possibly the Versa) which uses a chain drive in addition to the belt for packaging reasons... it supposedly makes the transmission more compact.

Maybe a little YouTube Vid will explain things... (it's in Japanese BTW)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABaJidk9SJA
...well Phillip, if thats what they are referring to, then what does thathave to do with our Rogues....this is getting silly...I'm still befuddled!

philipa_240sx
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Perhaps I should simplify this somewhat. The chain drive replaces a couple of gears in the smaller (Versa and Sentra CVT) and has nothing to do with the CVT belt. It was mentioned in your quote above:

Quote »the adoption of a compact chain drive for 2.0-liter engine applications (which reduces the transmission size as a whole)[/quote]The Rogue does not have this chain drive as it has the bigger 2.5l motor.

philipa_240sx
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I have been giving this whole transmission issue some thought. Then I read member Goblin's post. This starts to make sense. The pulley's are hydraulically actuated to keep the belt at the proper tension. Using my wooden block analogy above:

If the belt is loose, when the primary (drive) pulley 'pushes' the belt it will be forced off the secondary (output) pulley. This will certainly create some noise. Normally the belt would frimly contact the secindary pulley, travel around to the opposite side and continue back to the primary pulley.

I still cannot explain why this problem has not appeared on FWD models. One possibility is the AWD transmission also has to drive the added mass of the transfer case gears and rear prop shaft all the time. The AWD clutch is at the back of the vehicle attached to the rear diff so even when it's disenngaged, the other parts rotate. Perhaps this added momentum is exacerbating the 'loose belt' issue.

ResQ1
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:21 am
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

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I am new to the forum, but am glad to see to see I have support on this issue. I am hearing the same noise everyone is describing here. You can hear it best at < 20 MPH. I took it into the dealer last Friday, and of course they say they don't hear anything. So, I need to make another appointment when I have time to ride around with the service tech so that I can point out the noise. I swear sometimes these Service guys act like the money to fix it is coming out of their own pockets! Has anyone noticed that the noise isn't as prevelant if you actually ride the brake to a stop as oppossed to sort of coasting? Let's keep these posts coming and all send links to these posts to the General and Service Managers. Thanks all.

bshess
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Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

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Took the Rogue SL AWD (8200 mi) into the dealer today for the second time re the noise issue. They are beginning to believe that maybe the noise has something to do with the transmission, just as I told them two weeks ago...

Anyway, the Rogue is spending the night at the dealer at their urging...hopefully they will at least be able add mine to the list that need to be fixed (though they did tell me they had never seen the problem before). I will let you know what, if anything, they think the problem to be.

daytrippr
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So... our Rogue has been sitting at the dealer for almost 2 weeks. The only good part of this whole fiasco is that we are putting miles on the Mitsubishi Gallant rental instead of our Rogue.

It took them 1 week to get our transmission and after several days fighting with Nissan about whether it was the 'right' transmission, now they are trying to find time to put it in....

I say, once again...if you haven't bought your Rogue...wait...until they figure this transmission rattle thing out


RogueMel
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I just brought my Rogue to Nissan last tuesday bcoz of the samething, at first they could not figure out what i was talking abt, finally they made me drive the and they heard the rattling noise when i drive less than 5, they said its a thing about the transmission, and theyre gonna change it nxt week...

and now, as i just got home, i found some kind of fluid was dripping underneath, its was clear, kinda like water but smelled something else. i dont know what that is, anybody who has the same prob?

philipa_240sx
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Most likely condensate (water) from the air conditioner. Most of the other fluids are:

Brake fluid - amberCoolant - greenOil - amber to blackCVT fluid - light/transparent greenWasher fluid - green, blue, purple, depends on brandPower steering - N/A, the Rogue has electric power steering

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kerrton
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Yeah that really sucks, because even though the changed the transmission, if there is an inherrant design flaw with it, the new one could start having the same problems in the near future. Bad designs need to be re-designed or a workaround implemented, which is hopefully what Nissan will do soon, but replacing it with the same bad design is probably only a short term fix.

But don't worry guys and look at the positive side, that's why we bought a new vehicle, we've got 5 years of powertrain warranty so we can let Nissan worry about the problem! Once they come up with a recall solution all will be well!!

BigPapi'sRogue
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I posted earlier this week, stating that my Nissan dealer service center diagnosed my noise as an issue with a front axle.

The car went to the dealer yesterday for the axle replacement. After doing so, they were nice enough to call me and say they still heard the noise after replacing the axle, and they suspected "something in the drivetrain." They spent the afternoon on a tech-line with Nissan engineering, who pinned it down to the transmission problem. What the service manager told me is consistent with what most have posted here. They believe it to be in the transmission during, though they don't know exactly what it is, but yet the car is safe to drive (but has a noise). They are ordering me a new transmission and transfer case, which they said they prefer to replace because it is bolted to the transmission case, and doing it this way would be a "cleaner" repair.

So I have my car back for now until my parts come in. They put back my old axle, since that wasn't the problem.

Goblin
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Kerrton, I couldn't agree with you more as several members are now on their second transmission. So I think based on that Nissan is looking at an inherent flaw and a do over is in order. My frustrations came from the dealership in which I dealt with idiots more so than the refusal to change my trany. Nissan Customer Relations called and wanted to schedule a visit to another dealership to check the trany. I declined as I don't figure they are going to fix it and if they do it won't be permanent, as discussed throughout above. My time is worth more than theirs by a long shot. I'm trying to patiently wait for the recall.

Daytripper, OMG, 2 weeks? I'd be pissed! You bought the new Rogue to drive; not to drive a Gallant. It doesn't take two weeks to do anything any more, I'd be looking into it.

My noise is still very intermittent but when it happens it seems to be increasing in noise level. I actually heard it over the stereo and my daughter talking yesterday. I can't wait for the F**ing thing to fall off the car.

I think ultimately this is going to hurt all of us on resale values as this issue has come to the attention of other dealerships. I went to Acura last w/e in an attempt to unload the Rogue and the first thing they asked was had I been having problems with the trany. I just turned and walked out. I know as soon as they drive it, the trany will act up. So now I'm playing the waiting game to get it corrected so that I can dump it.

philipa_240sx
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I know this is of little comfort, but Nissan is not alone in having recalls on new vehicles:

Chrysler has already recalled the Journey twice. The latest is possible electical shorts causing an engine fire.

The VW Tiguan has scarcely been out and has been recalled for an engine surge issue that could cause an accident. Read: sudden unintended acceleration.

The moral of the story? A new vehicle in it's first year will always have some issues. I was hesitant to buy a first year Rogue, but I took a gamble. Quite honestly it's far better quality-wise than my Altima. The Alty had huge issues the first year of production in 2002. Even the '03 model I owned had some issues.

Nissan has definitely stepped up the quality in recent years. This second generation of vehicles (post Renault/Nissan merger) seems to be better than the first generation cars... also referred to as the Nissan Revival Plan or NRP cars.

Anyway, keep after the dealer and Nissan.

mistergib
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Car: 2008 Silver Nissan Rogue AWD SL

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philipa_240sx wrote:I know this is of little comfort, but Nissan is not alone in having recalls on new vehicles:

Chrysler has already recalled the Journey twice. The latest is possible electical shorts causing an engine fire.

The VW Tiguan has scarcely been out and has been recalled for an engine surge issue that could cause an accident. Read: sudden unintended acceleration.

The moral of the story? A new vehicle in it's first year will always have some issues. I was hesitant to buy a first year Rogue, but I took a gamble. Quite honestly it's far better quality-wise than my Altima. The Alty had huge issues the first year of production in 2002. Even the '03 model I owned had some issues.

Nissan has definitely stepped up the quality in recent years. This second generation of vehicles (post Renault/Nissan merger) seems to be better than the first generation cars... also referred to as the Nissan Revival Plan or NRP cars.

Anyway, keep after the dealer and Nissan.
Phillip...Phillip....please don't think that using Chrysler as a comparison to our Rogues is going to make us feel better....BAD comparison! Chryslerhas never had a reliability record worth bragging about....never. If Nissanmimics Chrysler in any way, nobody will buy'm! Isn't it curious that Honda and Toyota are absent from the list.....Nissanshould be shooting for their reliability and production quality numbers...even Hyundai has realized that....

Goblin
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Well said!

philipa_240sx
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Hehehe always like some good bantering. I knew I would be called on the Chrysler thing.

RogueMel
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Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

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thanks philipa..yup i think its just the a/c, il just mention it next week when i get my transmission changed, its just dripping like crazy, my garage would have a small puddle of water everytime.

im also relieved that its just not me who has that rattle/grinding prob, i thought i was just being paranoid when i heard those...hehehe..


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