Front end noise

[Axis]

Hi All,

We have had an intermittent front end noise lately in the NS. I was only able to replicate and record tonight. Poor sound quality but you can hear it clearly from 9 secs. https://youtu.be/23q6dYoAYpY

I recently did a tyre rotation and couldn't find any noticeable CV or bearing issues on the front. The noise seems to happen at low speeds (1st/2nd gear). The front passenger CV was replaced just over 12 months ago.

In 2WD I had no noise tonight - only in 4wd.

Any ideas on what to look at would be appreciated.

Cheers,
James

[Axis]

From reading other threads could be a vacuum or solenoid issue on the front diff but it seems usually the issue is in 2wd not 4wd like I have.

[rgrubby]

From reading other threads could be a vacuum or solenoid issue on the front diff but it seems usually the issue is in 2wd not 4wd like I have.

As I understand it vacuum is used to keep 2wd engaged, 4wd is the "natural state" with no vacuum.

If you are struggling to pinpoint the source of the noise you could try using a short hose, one end at your ear, poke the other end around to see if you can isolate the source

[Axis]

As I understand it vacuum is used to keep 2wd engaged, 4wd is the "natural state" with no vacuum.

If you are struggling to pinpoint the source of the noise you could try using a short hose, one end at your ear, poke the other end around to see if you can isolate the source

Thanks. It may be difficult as the car needs to be moving. I’m going to try a few things to find the source of the sound. Then I’ll see. For now it’s staying in 2WD

[rgrubby]

Thanks. It may be difficult as the car needs to be moving.

Yeah that could make the hose method a bit tricky. How did you get it to make the noise while parked in the video?

[Axis]

I was driving. Can't upload a sound file only so just put the pic into a movie file.


Confirmed yesterday the noise happens in all 4WD modes. Been too wet to do much else. Thinking of dropping the front diff oil to check for any issues - if nothing may drop transfer case oil as well.

[Axis]

Still can't pinpoint the source of the noise. Have confirmed visually the front diff actuator is moving correctly.

Also found that I only get the noise in 4WD when there is some load. If I back off the accelerator or coast in neutral it stops.

Noise is now present all the time in 4WD - will get a better sound file. Driving perfectly in 2WD.

[RUGGA]

Noise is now present all the time in 4WD - will get a better sound file. Driving perfectly in 2WD.

4WD or 4H

[Axis]

Hi Rugga,


All 4WD modes - 4H, 4HLC, 4LLC. Dropped and strained front diff oil yesterday and it was clear with no metal or paste on magnet - I changed this in Jan (13k kms ago).


Today I'll drop the transfer case oil and see what that is like.


Here is an updated vid of the noise in the driveway in 4H.

https://youtu.be/95tY3eHI2GU

Cheers,
James

[aussieintas]

I think the only happens in 4WD or at low revs is probably related to the correct vibration for the noise to occur

Sounds to me something like one of the heat sheilds or small metal tangs that come off the exhaust system has broken its weld. I only say as I had a very similar sound and found it to be a broken weld on a tang. Only occurred at low speed and low idle.

I'd be underneath with a rubber mallet a systematically tap things from front back. I wouldnt start dropping oils bud until fully checked for loose stuff.

Im going with either exhaust system as stated above or engine/transmission mounts or perhaps the front shaft stricking something. Last guess since you did a tyre rotation recently........metal baking plates behing rotors.

[aussieintas]

Just replayed your videos......

Could it be one of those metal dust covers over one of the props

[Axis]

Just replayed your videos......

Could it be one of those metal dust covers over one of the props

Will check those, the backing plates and exhaust. Transfer is due for an oil change anyway so will probably do it anyway. Have been worried about driving too fast in 4H but might do some more testing.

Thanks for the input

[Axis]

Got under again and moved things around. I noticed a lot of movement in the transfer case. Compared it to a mates NX which has far less movement (newer and less kms, also mine is MT vs their AT). Checked brake backing plates and exhaust - no issues there. Wouldn't you know it - i then put the paj in 4H for the first time today and no noise.

The rear of the front prop shaft also has a loose noise when holding the rear metal dust cover. I'll put up a vid of this. Mates NX doesn't have the same movement.
edit: video link of back of front drive shaft https://youtu.be/FO8bg0w8_SA

Might need to look at replacing the transmission mounts (probably should do engine at the same time).

[Axis]

Last update on this issue for now - noise is still gone. Have been driving mostly in 2H but did a fair amount in 4H on Monday - headed up Baw Baw way.

I did do a gearbox and transfer oil change however the noise had gone before I did those.

[tonee]

What did you do, replaced the transmission mounts?

Sent from my LG-H930 using Tapatalk