Flywheel Issues?

[nissangirl74]

What are the signs and symptoms of a cracked flywheel? I've got a funky noise coming from the Frontier and I'm trying to diagnose. Thanks!

[Kompresshun]

Usually a knocking noise when the flywheel is damaged, or cracked.

What kind of noise are you hearing?

[nissangirl74]

Clacking noise, especially when pulling out from a stop or going around a sharp turn (think roundabout)

[Kompresshun]

If it's happening at all times, even sitting still, then I would suspect the flywheel or something engine related. If it's only happening while in motion, then I would check the wheel bearings/hubs, axles, and differentials. It doesn't sound transmission related, so I would suspect something in the axles and ect. Usually a cracked flywheel is pretty rare, especially on a truck that new.

I'm not extremely familiar with the Frontiers, but unless that's a common concern, i'd address the other areas mentioned first.

Did you check to make sure that someone didn't put a zip tie on the drive shaft?

[Hijacker]

It could be transfer case if the Frontier is a 4x4 and you're getting the sound around sharp turns which makes me think it's an issue with power splitting. Are you certain the sound is coming from the trans area?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If it were a cracked flywheel, the slop and knock SHOULD be transferred through the system either into the clutch pedal, or the shifter itself (so you should be able to feel it). You'd also get some pretty funky noises while starting it.

[IanS]

Put it in 4wd, see if the sound goes away, Sounds like an issue with the T case, or possibly the front hub locks.

Could also be U joints, but cornering shouldn't have any effect.

I am having a little trouble remembering how the 4wd system is setup on that generation. Is it 2wd with selectable 4wd, or is it AWD, with a T case lock?

Does it have manual front hub locks, or are they automatic? If Auto, it would not be surprising if they are dried out and not working properly. You may be driving around with one hub that sticks at low speeds, causing noise leaving stops and around corners.

A cracked flywheel will typically cause very poor clutch actuation, and noise while feeding in/out the clutch pedal. I have seen a few cracked flywheels on different vehicles. Most common complaint is a chattery clutch feel, and is usually a result of serious overheating.

When did the problem present itself? Did it start quite and slowly become louder, or did it suddenly appear at its current volume? Does it happen every time, or only sometimes?

Whats the mileage an the truck? Seems a bit soon if I remember the truck, for it to have shreaded the spider gears in one of the diffs, but its not unheard of.

[AZhitman]

'05 4x4, 107K miles.

It's noticeable when accelerating from a stop, sounds metallic, almost like a heat shield flapping against something (doesn't match wheel speed, random).

Also, decelerating / coasting, you can hear it (clutch depressed or in neutral), sounds like it matches wheel speed.

Started recently, has gotten worse (more noticeable) of late.

All 4wd components are electronically actuated.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Does a man of your stature own a set of chassis ears?

I'd love to hear the noise, can you maybe take a video? Is it noticeable inside as well as outside the vehicle?

[nissangirl74]

VERY noticeable inside. I'll see what I can do about recording the sound tomorrow.

[IanS]

'05 4x4, 107K miles.

It's noticeable when accelerating from a stop, sounds metallic, almost like a heat shield flapping against something (doesn't match wheel speed, random).

Also, decelerating / coasting, you can hear it (clutch depressed or in neutral), sounds like it matches wheel speed.

Started recently, has gotten worse (more noticeable) of late.

All 4wd components are electronically actuated.

Have you jacked it up to check for anything loose in the front suspension? Wheel bearings and the like. See if locking it in 4wd makes it go away or get worse.

I am also interested to hear it via video or whatnot.

Its a possibility that you blew up one of the hub springs in the clutch, but I think clutch actuation/feel would have suffered.

Could also be an issue with the brakes. So many options, hard to narrow it down without being able to accurately tell where its coming from and when.

Not that I don't trust you guys, but boy, if I had a dollar for every time a customer told me they had a noise coming from the back or left, but when I drive it, it was obviously coming from the front or right, I would retire. Noises really echo around cars, and it takes a trained ear to chase odd noises, especially if they are intermittent.

Try opening all the windows (yes, I know its hot out) and drive down a residential street, preferably with cars parked at the curb. Try to recreate the noise. Shut the right or left windows alternatively and see if you can determine a side. Stick your head out to see if its from the front or back. Knowing a general location will greatly help narrow things down.

[AZhitman]

Definitely from the left front area.

Spent a lot of time under the truck today, banging . pulling, pushing, moving things... to no avail. I'm pretty good at tracing rattles (we own a lot of Datsuns, remember?)

I honestly don't think it the flywheel, as it hasn't affected driveability at all. Thought it might be a loose caliper bolt, but they're snug. However, I noticed the actual caliper part (floating) has slight fore and aft movement (whereas the right one does not). Wear on the rotor is normal, but I'm thinking the floating part of the caliper shouldn't have any movement in it.

That, coupled with the slotted rotors and aggressive pads, may well make the noise we're hearing.

Now - What would allow the caliper to move on the bracket? Worn slider pins?

[Oatmealman]

most likely,caliper hardware kit(new sliders/boots/and grease) should take care of that movement if it's excessive.It's it no more than an 1/8th of an inch I wouldn't worry to much unless it needs pads.2 piece drive shaft?

[nissangirl74]

most likely,caliper hardware kit(new sliders/boots/and grease) should take care of that movement if it's excessive.It's it no more than an 1/8th of an inch I wouldn't worry to much unless it needs pads.2 piece drive shaft?

One piece I believe. Not absolutely certain

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If the spring clips are blown, your pads could be rattling around inside the caliper.

Again, if it's engine, you should be able to hear it just parked and revving up the engine.