The Nissan Path

Well, it's a new day and, as expected, a new weird sound coming from my Pathfinder.

Anyone know what this is? (see video)

It's an '08 V8. The sound is only there sometimes and I can usually make it go away by restarting the engine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaZmeIcV3N4

Hm, that is very strange. Did you check all the pullies and what they are connected to on the serpentine belt?

sounds like a dry bearing or bushing noise, such as an alternator armature or belt tensioner
do you have a mechanics stethoscope to help pin it down?

Great thoughts, and I was thinking bearing, too. The sound doesn't change with the rev of the engine, so it's got to be something that doesn't relate to engine RPMs (if that's possible)?

Pullies look okay at first glance. I'm going to get e stethoscope and try to get a more exact location when it happens again.

I do know it's loudest toward the front of the passenger side of the engine. You can hear it best in the wheel well which, of course, doesn't tell us a lot.

exhaust heat shield?

starter not disengaging?
especially since you say that it sometimes goes away by re-starting

^^^ my first thought as well from the sound of it

DanJetta wrote:Well, it's a new day and, as expected, a new weird sound coming from my Pathfinder.

so what was it?

Ugh, I have no idea -- I took it to a mechanic and it wouldn't make the sound. And it hasn't made it since!

I have a good feeling you guys are right about the starter not disengaging. I listen for it every time I start the car and the next time I hear it I'm going to crawl underneath.

I'm waiting for a weather change. That's when things seem to go awry.

Thanks so much for the input!