Help Rattle coming from crank area '96 Nissan 240sx SE

[sole]

I have an odd rattle coming from crankshaft area. Rattles thru all gears isn't as loud in 4th and 5th. Also can't hear it until car warms up. Rattles no matter the weather conditions. And I can also hear it when in neutral reving the engine... Is it a bearing? If so which would likely be it? Really need help.

[NISTECH]

You need to determine weather or not it occure in 4th or not. If not you need to be sure it does it in 5th. If this is the case you have bad countershaft bearings in the trans. Would you more describe it as a growling noise, rather then a rattle [ shaking a baby rattle]?

[sole]

From what i can tell it happens in all gears, just in 4 and 5 background noise is louder and the rattle can't be heard as easily. But I can still hear it. It sounds almost like a constant hum from a drill. What can I do to narrow the problem down?

[NISTECH]

Check the fluid level in the trans, it sounds as if its dry by the drill description.

[sole]

Also noticed problems with steering. Just at low speed (parking, reverse, ect.). Started the same time as noise. I will check the fluid later today.
Modified by sole at 4:46 PM 5/27/2005

[NISTECH]

ok forget the trans, check your powersteering fluid. It is more likely the problem here. The whine/rattling is the pump screaming for a drink.