Rattling from front of engine
 

Hey guys, so I made a video and Im sure its hard to tell where the sound is coming from but hoping some of you could recognize the sound and have had experience to give an idea of what it is? Im thinking pulley, or possibly AC compressor... What do you guys think? Belt is in good condition.

Video is broken. Weird, cuz my car is making a semi rattling noise starting today too.

Works every time I click on it...

Tried in Ubuntu and Windows with Firefox and Chrome didn't work. Android with Chrome on data and wifi didn't work either. Anyone else able to view it?

Broken link, fixed it for ya.





It actually sounds like VTC rattle on the cams. This could be caused by leaking Galley gaskets on the front cover. The front cover oil galley feeds the VTC's on the front of the cams. Take action or you may loose the engine due to low oil pressure.

Yeah Ive actually replaced the galley gaskets on my 350z before, however, the issue goes away upon warmup, not the opposite. In my experience with the galley gasket issue, the problem gets worse with the oil at operating temp, not better.

VTC rattle is normally only when cold. It could also be a timing chain rattle due to a bad tensioner. It is possible to be a bad water pump but it would be leaking like crazy making that noise. Either way, you will need to go into the front of the engine to find out for sure. How many miles on the car? Take your belt off and spin all your pulleys. If they check out good, you know what you have to do.

Excellent suggestion. :tiphat:

Everything (except the crank) should turn smoothly and easily. Feel for any grittiness or excessive play.


If you plan on doing your own troubleshooting and mechanicing, the FSM (link in sig) is invaluable.

If they check out good, then I know what I have to do ... ??

Another way to help pinpoint the source of noises is to put the end of a paper towel core, garden hose, etc to your ear and move the other end around the engine compartment. Be very careful when doing this with the engine running - lots of moving parts that can grab fingers, loose clothing, jewelry, etc.

Front of the motor has to come apart. Looks like you will be replacing the chain sets, tensioners, guides, water pump, galley gaskets, etc. You never said how many miles are on the engine. Did you buy the car new or used, etc.

Im pretty positive its not timing chain related. I will hook up my oil pressure tool to it before I pull the front of the engine.
It seems as tho its the AC compressor.
The car has 88k on it.

Goodness I HATE reviving old threads but I swear I am having this same issue from my car - except my AC is also out all the sudden - blowing hot air. It wasn't till the next morning - yesterday while 2 hours away from home that I got this same similar sound.

Regardless bc I was worried about creating more damage or possibly damaging the engine - had it towed into a stealership on Monday - sooo hoping to hear back something soon - although the service advisor did warn me that it would be 3-4 days just to get a diagnosis bc of the holiday and how backed up they were. Since the tow was covered by my roadside insurance - and to get it back to a dealer closer to home - it would have cost me out of pocket $450 according to my insurance - decided to leave it there.

Anyway - thought I would ask to see if anyone has ideas - will probably update this thread once I get more info from the dealer.

Here is a YT link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtXLBYBEOos

that sounds like could be your AC compressor clutch that seized up. The compressor is on the side of the engine. That would explain why the AC went out as well. Good luck

'WINNER WINNER - CHICKEN DINNER!'
Just got the news back from the dealer and yup yup - the whole compressor went out along with the AC clutch.

Just thought I would update everyone just incase someone else has this issue in the future - sucks for sure.