96 - What does a water pump going bad sound like?

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Paul S. - 22 Apr 2004 22:58 GMT

I have a 96 5-spd Max with 85K mi. I hear a type of "clatter" I guess
is how it's best described, when I let the engine rev down in gear
that I don't hear when accelerating or cruising. It's there but
fainter in neutral when revving, not there at idle. Probably there
more when the engine is warm. I'm thinking it might be the water
pump. Doesn't sound like what I would expect from the timing chain or
valve train, and its not a rattle like a loose heat shield or exhaust
component. Any thoughts?
Thx PS

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David Efflandt - 23 Apr 2004 01:57 GMT

> I have a 96 5-spd Max with 85K mi. I hear a type of "clatter" I guess
> is how it's best described, when I let the engine rev down in gear
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> component. Any thoughts?
> Thx PS

Have you always had the car and this is a new sound, or are you new to the
car? If it is sort of a growl like sound when you get on it at low rpm or
launch abruptly, it might be a normal sound. I don't know if that is gear
noise or engine knock that the knock sensor is compensating for, but my 95
SE 5-spd has always made a rather unique sound under certain low rpm
acceleration conditions. It also growls like a diesel for a few seconds
when starting in cold weather. But it has never had any internal engine
problems in 108K miles (just dead starter and occasional injector or O2
sensor).

I guess a bad bearing on a water pump might sound somewhat similar (kind
of a rattling sound), but I have not had a water pump go bad since my 69
Torino back in the 70's. Usually a bad water pump becomes apparent when
you start losing coolant from the shaft seal.

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Paul S. - 24 Apr 2004 22:01 GMT

> > I have a 96 5-spd Max with 85K mi. I hear a type of "clatter" I guess

...> > valve train, and its not a rattle like a loose heat shield or
exhaust

> > component. Any thoughts?
> > Thx PS
>
> Have you always had the car and this is a new sound, or are you new to the
> car?...

I've had this car since 50K, but it did not make that sound
originally, just noted it more this year. There are no leaks. Since
the car otherwise runs well and is not high milage for a Maxima, I
would rather preempt any problems. Mayb I'll just have to wait and
see...

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95-96maximas - 29 May 2004 03:32 GMT

Try listening to your STARTER during cold starts and hear if the noise is
there. There is a problem with 95-96 starters that when they start to go
they seem to make noise as if there was no oil in the car for a while. It
seems to get worse when it is cold.

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Steve T - 23 Apr 2004 02:43 GMT

> I have a 96 5-spd Max with 85K mi. I hear a type of "clatter" I guess
> is how it's best described, when I let the engine rev down in gear
> that I don't hear when accelerating or cruising. It's there but
> fainter in neutral when revving, not there at idle. Probably there
> more when the engine is warm.

Sounds more like a chain to me.

> I'm thinking it might be the water
> pump. Doesn't sound like what I would expect from the timing chain or
> valve train, and its not a rattle like a loose heat shield or exhaust
> component. Any thoughts?

Water pump noises are there all the time as it's a bearing going bad that
makes the noise. Chain noises come and go with engine speed and if you are
acceling or decceling. Then again it's just a guess as I can't hear the
noise.

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Paul S. - 28 Apr 2004 01:43 GMT

> > I have a 96 5-spd Max with 85K mi. I hear a type of "clatter" I guess
> > is how it's best described, when I let the engine rev down in gear
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> acceling or decceling. Then again it's just a guess as I can't hear the
> noise.

OK, thanks for the input. I borrowed an automobile stethoscope - it's
not the water pump (was smooth sounding), it's coming mainly from the
the *#$%! upper timing chain guide. How predictable...

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Steve T - 28 Apr 2004 02:36 GMT

> Steve T <fotocord@yahoo.com> wrote in message

>> Water pump noises are there all the time as it's a bearing going bad that
>> makes the noise. Chain noises come and go with engine speed and if you
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> not the water pump (was smooth sounding), it's coming mainly from the
> the *#$%! upper timing chain guide. How predictable...

Sounds like my luck!

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http://www.atlantaracing.com

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CW - 28 Apr 2004 22:31 GMT

Was the problem with the 95-96 maxima with the timing chain tensioner
or with the guide?

If it's the tensioner, replacing that part isn't too bad. I removed
it when replacing my water pump. I did not see if the guide would
have just pulled out so I can't comment on that. The space in that
area is pretty tight though which can be frustrating. I think the
tensioner is a $40-50 part.

CW

>OK, thanks for the input. I borrowed an automobile stethoscope - it's
>not the water pump (was smooth sounding), it's coming mainly from the
>the *#$%! upper timing chain guide. How predictable...

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