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02 Pathfinder Whining Noise

Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2015 7:59 pm
by mbrianc
Hello all!

I have a problem with my 02 pathfinder 3.5 4x4. I started hearing a whining noise from what I am assuming is one of the pulleys. Since I knew that the a/c clutch was chirping at times intermittently, I decided to change the a/c clutch bearing.

While that resolved the chirping noise, the whine has persisted. It is there when I start it cold and is generally gone by the time operating temp is reached. Today, while in a drive through I noticed that the temp had risen over the normal operating temp and the whine had begun again. It has never done this before. Not quite to overheating, but higher than normal.

But when I accelerated away from the drive through, the temp immediately dropped back down to normal. I am thinking this might be the fan clutch, but not sure as it is a whining noise instead of a roar. Any help you guys could give would be greatly appreciated as I don't want to change any more parts without identifying for certain what this is.

Thanks in Advance!!!

Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:44 am
by fleurys
You were right about the fan clutch. This will also cause the chirping noise you are describing.. Classic cause/effect.

Change the fan clutch and you noise will gone.

Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 3:02 pm
by mbrianc
Thank you!!

Does the pulley have a bearing that needs replacing also? Or should it be just the clutch? Also, what is a good brand of clutch to buy? I have been burnt by some aftermarket parts before.

Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 8:48 pm
by smj999smj
Stick with genuine Nissan on the fan clutches. Aftermarket clutches are a gamble.

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:30 am
by mbrianc
Well Dammit.

I thought that fixed the noise but it has returned. I cannot seem to pinpoint the source of this racket. It does seem to be more pronounced inside the cabin than under the hood. It happens at idle at different times.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The fan clutch did fix the slight overheating though.

Thanks!