SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
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SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESPFP:00000
Work FlowNIS0024A
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
Interview the customer if possible, to determine the conditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interview to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any
customer's comments; refer to EI-9, "
Diagnostic Worksheet" . This information is necessary to duplicate the
conditions that exist when the noise occurs.
The customer may not be able to provide a detailed description or the location of the noise. Attempt to
obtain all the facts and conditions that exist when the noise occurs (or does not occur).
If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer
is concerned about. This can be accomplished by test driving the vehicle with the customer.
After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics. The noise characteristics
are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.
Squeak —(Like tennis shoes on a clean floor)
Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard sur-
faces=higher pitch noise/softer surfaces=lower pitch noises/edge to surface=chirping
Creak—(Like walking on an old wooden floor)
Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow movement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch
dependent on materials/often brought on by activity.
Rattle—(Like shaking a baby rattle)
Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contact/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.
Knock —(Like a knock on a door)
Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/sometimes repeating/often brought on by driver action.
Tick—(Like a clock second hand)
Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of light materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.
Thump—(Heavy, muffled knock noise)
Thump characteristics include softer knock/dead sound often brought on by activity.
Buzz—(Like a bumble bee)
Buzz characteristics include high frequency rattle/firm contact.
Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may
judge as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.
Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperature, may have a great effect on noise level.
SBT842
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SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
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DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE
If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or location of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle “twist”.
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T models, drive position on A/T models).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the vehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the
vehicle body.
CHECK RELATED SERVICE BULLETINS
After verifying the customer concern or symptom, check ASIST for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related
to that concern or symptom.
If a TSB relates to the symptom, follow the procedure to repair the noise.
LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
1. Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pinpoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool
(Chassis Ear: J-39570, Engine Ear and mechanics stethoscope).
2. Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by:
removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from.
Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fastener can be broken
or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.
tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise.
Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only
temporarily.
feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the
noise.
placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.
looking for loose components and contact marks.
Refer to EI-7, "
Generic Squeak and Rattle Troubleshooting" .
REPAIR THE CAUSE
If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.
If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
–separate components by repositioning or loosening and retightening the component, if possible.
–insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or ure-
thane tape. A Nissan Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980) is available through your authorized Nissan Parts
Department.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
NOTE:
Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
The following materials are contained in the Nissan Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980). Each item can be
ordered separately as needed.
URETHANE PADS [1.5 mm (0.059 in) thick]
Insulates connectors, harness, etc.
76268-9E005: 100
135 mm (3.945.31 in)/76884-71L01: 6085 mm (2.363.35 in)/76884-
71L02: 15
25 mm (0.590.98 in)
INSULATOR (Foam blocks)
Insulates components from contact. Can be used to fill space behind a panel.
73982-9E000: 45 mm (1.77 in) thick, 50
50 mm (1.971.97 in)/73982-
50Y00: 10 mm (0.39 in) thick, 50
50 mm (1.971.97 in)
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
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INSULATOR (Light foam block)
80845-71L00: 30 mm (1.18 in) thick, 30
50 mm (1.181.97 in)
FELT CLOTHTAPE
Used to insulate where movement does not occur. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
68370-4B000: 15
25 mm (0.590.98 in) pad/68239-13E00: 5 mm (0.20 in) wide tape roll
The following materials, not found in the kit, can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
UHMW (TEFLON) TAPE
Insulates where slight movement is present. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
SILICONE GREASE
Used in place of UHMW tape that will be visible or not fit. Will only last a few months.
SILICONE SPRAY
Use when grease cannot be applied.
DUCT TAPE
Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingNIS0024B
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1. The cluster lid A and instrument panel
2. Acrylic lens and combination meter housing
3. Instrument panel to front pillar garnish
4. Instrument panel to windshield
5. Instrument panel mounting pins
6. Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter
7. A/C defroster duct and duct joint
These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noise. Most of these incidents can be repaired by
applying felt cloth tape or silicon spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate
wiring harness.
CAUTION:
Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or rattle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you
will not be able to recheck the repair.
CENTER CONSOLE
Components to pay attention to include:
1. Shifter assembly cover to finisher
2. A/C control unit and cluster lid C
3. Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit
The instrument panel repair and isolation procedures also apply to the center console.
DOORS
Pay attention to the:
1. Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise
2. Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher
3. Wiring harnesses tapping
4. Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops
Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them while driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the areas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks from
the Nissan Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980) to repair the noise.
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SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
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TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid dumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area can often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sunvisor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headlining and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
SEATS
When isolating seat noise it's important to note the position the seat is in and the load placed on the seat when
the noise is present. These conditions should be duplicated when verifying and isolating the cause of the
noise.
Cause of seat noise include:
1. Headrest rods and holder
2. A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame
3. The rear seatback lock and bracket
These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of these incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.
UNDERHOOD
Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:
1. Any component mounted to the engine wall
2. Components that pass through the engine wall
3. Engine wall mounts and connectors
4. Loose radiator mounting pins
5. Hood bumpers out of adjustment
6. Hood striker out of adjustment
These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine RPM
or load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting, securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.
PREPARATION
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Valve seat cutter setFinishing valve seat dimensions
(—)
Piston ring expanderRemoving and installing piston ring
(—)
Valve guide driftRemoving and installing valve guide
Intake and Exhaust:
a: 9.5 mm (0.374 in) dia.
b: 5.5 mm (0.217 in) dia.
(—)
Valve guide reamer(1): Reaming valve guide inner hole
(2): Reaming hole for oversize valve guide
Intake and Exhaust:
d
1 : 6.0 mm (0.236 in) dia.
d
2 : 10.2 mm (0.402 in) dia.
(J-43897-18)
(J-43897-12)
Oxygen sensor thread cleanerReconditioning the exhaust system threads
before installing a new air fuel ratio sensor
and heated oxygen sensor (Use with anti-
seize lubricant shown below.)
a: J-43897-18 [18 mm (0.71 in) dia.] for
z ir c on i a h e a t e d o x y g e n s e ns o r a n d a i r f u e l
ratio sensor
b: J-43897-12 [12 mm (0.47 in) dia.] for
titania heated oxygen sensor and air fuel
ratio sensor
(—)
Anti-seize lubricant (Permatex 133AR
or equivalent meeting MIL
specification MIL-A-907)Lubricating oxygen sensor thread cleaning
tool when reconditioning exhaust system
threads (Kent-Moore No.)
To o l n a m eDescription
NT048
NT030
NT015
NT016
AEM488
AEM489
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
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Use the Chart Below to Help You Find the Cause of the Symptom.NBS004MR
1. Locate the area where noise occurs.
2. Confirm the type of noise.
3. Specify the operating condition of the engine.
4. Check specified noise source.
If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
A: Closely related B: Related C: Sometimes related —: Not relatedLocation
of noiseTy p e o f
noiseOperating condition of engine
Source of
noiseCheck itemRefer-
ence page Before
warm-
upAfter
warm-
upWhen
start-
ingWhen
idlingWhen
racingWhile
driving
Top of
engine
Rocker
cover
Cylinder
headTicking or
clickingCA—AB—Tappet
noiseValve clearanceEM-93
Rattle C A — A B CCamshaft
bearing
noiseCamshaft runout
Camshaft journal oil
clearanceEM-86EM-86
Crank-
shaft pul-
ley
Cylinder
block
(Side of
engine)
Oil panSlap or
knock—A—B B—Piston pin
noisePiston to piston pin oil
clearance
Connecting rod bush-
ing oil clearanceEM-140
EM-142
Slap or
rapA——BBAPiston
slap noisePiston to cylinder bore
clearance
Piston ring side clear-
ance
Piston ring end gap
Connecting rod bend
and torsionEM-144EM-141
EM-141
EM-142
Knock ABCBBBConnect-
ing rod
bearing
noiseConnecting rod bush-
ing oil clearance
Connecting rod bear-
ing oil clearance EM-142EM-146
Knock A B — A B CMain
bearing
noiseMain bearing oil clear-
ance
Crankshaft runoutEM-147
EM-146
Front of
engine
Timin g
chain
caseTapping or
tickingAA—BBBTimin g
chain and
timing
chain ten-
sioner
noiseTiming chain cracks
and wear
Timing chain tensioner
operationEM-72
EM-64
Front of
engineSqueak-
ing or fizz-
ingAB—B—CDrive belts
(Sticking
or slip-
ping)Drive belts deflection
EM-15
CreakingABABABDrive belts
(Slipping)Idler pulley bearing
operation
Squall
CreakAB—BABWater
pump
noiseWater pump operationCO-24,
"WATER
PUMP"
CYLINDER BLOCK
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How to Select Piston and Bearing NBS004O2
DESCRIPTION
*: For the service parts, the grade for fitting cannot be selected between piston pin and connecting rod. (Only “0” grade is available.) The
information at the shipment from the plant is described as a reference.
The identification grade stamped on each part is the grade for the dimension measured in new condition.
This grade cannot apply to reused parts.
For reused or repaired parts, measure the dimension accurately. Determine the grade by comparing the
measurement with the values of each selection table.
For details of the measurement method of each part, the reuse standards and the selection method of the
selective fitting parts, refer to the text.
HOW TO SELECT PISTON
When New Cylinder Block is Used
Check the cylinder bore grade (“1”, “2” or “3”) on rear side of cylinder
block, and select piston of the same grade.
NOTE:
Piston is available with piston pin as a set for the service part. (Only
“0” grade piston pin is available.)
When Cylinder Block is Reused
1. Measure the cylinder bore inner diameter. Refer to EM-144, "Cylinder Bore inner Diameter" .
2. Determine the bore grade by comparing the measurement with
the values under the cylinder bore inner diameter of the “Piston
Selection Table”.
3. Select piston of the same grade.
Selection points Selection parts Selection items Selection methods
Between cylinder block and
crankshaftMain bearingMain bearing grade
(bearing thickness)Determined by match of cylin-
der block bearing housing
grade (inner diameter of hous-
ing) and crankshaft journal
grade (outer diameter of jour-
nal)
Between crankshaft and con-
necting rodConnecting rod bearingConnecting rod bearing grade
(bearing thickness)Combining service grades for
connecting rod big end diame-
ter and crankshaft pin outer
diameter determine connecting
rod bearing selection.
Between cylinder block and pis-
tonPiston and piston pin assembly
(Piston is available together
with piston pin as assembly.)Piston grade
(piston skirt diameter)Piston grade = cylinder bore
grade (inner diameter of bore)
Between piston and connecting
rod*———
SEM756G
PBIC0812E
EM-170
[VK45DE]
PREPARATION
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
(—)
Valve guide driftRemoving and installing valve guide
Intake and Exhaust:
a: 9.5 mm (0.374 in) dia.
b: 5.5 mm (0.217 in) dia.
(—)
Valve guide reamer(1): Reaming valve guide inner hole
(2): Reaming hole for oversize valve guide
Intake and Exhaust:
d
1 : 6.0 mm (0.236 in) dia.
d
2 : 10.2 mm (0.402 in) dia.
(J-43897-18)
(J-43897-12)
Oxygen sensor thread cleanerReconditioning the exhaust system threads
before installing a new heated oxygen
sensor (Use with anti-seize lubricant shown
below.)
a: J-43897-18 (18 mm dia.) for zirconia
heated oxygen sensor and air fuel ratio
sensor
b: J-43897-12 (12 mm dia.) for titania
heated oxygen sensor and air fuel ratio
sensor
(—)
Anti-seize lubricant (Permatex 133AR
or equivalent meeting MIL
specification MIL-A-907)Lubricating oxygen sensor thread cleaning
tool when reconditioning exhaust system
threads (Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
S-NT015
S-NT016
AEM488
AEM489