New Path owner...weird noise...need guidance

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tfd123
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New Path owner...weird noise...need guidance

Postby tfd123 » Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:42 am

Hey everyone, I just bought an '08 SE V6 4WD last month, Super Black with Brick leather. 37K miles. It has been great so far, but I'm getting a weird "thrumming" (don't know how else to describe it) on decel. It's not the brakes, that much I know. For example, driving 30 mph, slow to a stop, I hear a distinct hum-hum-hum-hum noise that slowly fades as the Path comes to rest. There's no vibration, no issues upon acceleration, and there are no drivability issues at highway speeds. Tires are Grabbers with 50% tread - they seem fine. I don't think this noise is normal, but am not familair enough with the Path to know for sure, or what might be causing it. Thanks in advance for any insight.


martyf250
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Postby martyf250 » Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:22 am

Had the same issue on deceleration with my 05. after researching i found U joint issues. bougt 4 to do both the front and rear driveshafts. was 99% certain it would be the front but it turned out to be the rear most joint. alls better now and i get better gas mileage it was that bad.

05Pathfinder
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Postby 05Pathfinder » Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:01 pm

I agree with the last post, I think its the U joints, I had the same issue.

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volvite
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Postby volvite » Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:27 pm

U-Joints

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disallow
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Postby disallow » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:01 am

+1

The_David
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Postby The_David » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:07 am

The jury has spoken. I did not have this symptom, just wheel vibration. This does sound like the u-joint still though. If you want a quick test I'd reach under and see if you can shake the drive shaft.

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disallow
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Postby disallow » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:11 am

The_David wrote:The jury has spoken. I did not have this symptom, just wheel vibration. This does sound like the u-joint still though. If you want a quick test I'd reach under and see if you can shake the drive shaft.
Not a bad cursory inspection, but this won't tell you if the U-joint is seized, which is probably the problem the OP has. I had this on mine, it exhibited the 'noise' at 75-90km/h.

If the driveshaft moves, then you should notice a harsher shift from P to D, or D to R as well.

tfd123
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Postby tfd123 » Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:41 am

Thanks for the replies. I will add that the transmission shifts fine, and we've taken it offroad (beach) a number of times with no issues shifting in or out of 4WD. I will crawl underneath and check play in the driveshaft.

One follow up - if a u-joint is seized, would the thrumming I hear be the only symptom? I hear "seize" and I think "vehicle won't move".

I'll search the site to find a good DIY procedure.

Thanks again. Good to know there's a community for the Path to help with things like this.

tfd123
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Postby tfd123 » Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:42 am

Actually I had one other follow up - Is it weird to have issues with u-joints at 37K miles?

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disallow
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Postby disallow » Thu Jul 14, 2011 10:26 am

tfd123 wrote:Actually I had one other follow up - Is it weird to have issues with u-joints at 37K miles?
I wouldn't expect that, but it is not unheard of. All it takes is the grease to wash out and the pins will start to rust almost right away.

Did you drive through any 8-12" water recently?

t

tfd123
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Postby tfd123 » Thu Jul 14, 2011 10:50 am

disallow - I did last weekend, but the noise had presented itself weeks earlier. The truck is still covered under the powertrain warranty. I think a dealer visit is in order.

martyf250
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Postby martyf250 » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:47 pm

I tried the "check for play in the driveshaft" and it did not move, which is a good thing, but still turned out to be the rear most joint which was unexpected. It took my brother and myself ( i like to think we are strong)with two 14mm open ended wrenched a good deal of time to muscle the bolts and nuts off one at a time with no lift or jacks.

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Tech
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Postby Tech » Sun Jul 24, 2011 8:39 pm

Could also be tire noise. Check for feathering....Seems like all R51's feather on stock alignment. Will be more noticable on braking near stopping speeds. Try rotating and re-check.

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dawgn86
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Postby dawgn86 » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:17 am

could it possibly be coming from the rear differential?


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