Hey everyone. My NX2000 (100,000+ miles) started making a stange crackling/rattling sound in what seems to be the exhaust under me or in front of that. It has been getting louder over time and gets louder as I accelorate or cruise at 2,000 RPM and higher. I still have the factory Cat and I just took it out to look at its insides. Not melted or crumbling yet. Nothing is loose on the exhaust. I have heard this sound on big GM wagons and such that are falling apart. Could it be just a defective Cat? The spark plugs look 100% normal. Nothing changed there. This sound is starting to get anoying. Any input out there? Thanks

Cossie

One more thing. When the engine gets to normal temp it's louder then when it's at lower temp.

Check to see that the cat heat sheild is not loose. Or any of the remaining heat shield pieces on the piping before the cat. Those usually will begin to rust loose rattle. They become very annoying. I would see if you can reconnect them some how, but if not, tear them off of the car where they are loose. Should not cause any harm to the exhaust.

thanks. Now that I only have cat back factory exhaust, I have less to check. I'm going to a friends work now to have him give it some throttle while I try to pinpoint the area of noise. I'll have the MDM-100 plugged in to see how everything else is running. Best to you.

Cossie

Well here's the outcome. We checked out the car and found the noise. It's the damn 2 year old altinator. :mad: See what the deal is, that Nissan had these great Toshiba altinators in my car when it was new. It lasted 8 years. Now i'm sure it became cheaper to buy Mit-shit-subishi units which are known for not lasting as long. So now I have my problem found. Strange how sounds can carry to different areas of the car.

Cossie