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1999 Nissan Altima Occasional Scraping Noise when shifting

Tiny
BADGERGRAD96
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,300 MILES
I have a 1999 Nissan Altima that, on occassion, will produce a brief scaping noise when driving. We have determined that this seems to occur when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, but it does not do it every single time. Sometimes, there are days in between hearing the noise. The sound appears to be eminating from the right frontside of the car.

I have taken it to the mechanic, but they are unable to duplicate the sound, so I am having an difficult time getting the issue resolved.

Any suggestions?
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Monday, July 12th, 2010 AT 4:48 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi badgergrad96,

For noise problem it is impossible to diagnose over the net as it could be anything but we can give it a try.

How does the noise sound like?
Is it vehicle or engine speed related?
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
BADGERGRAD96
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The noise seems to be speed related. It is a very quick scraping sound, about 1 second in length and appears to occur when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear (near as we can tell). It doesn't happen all the time - sometimes it is multiplie times while driving but other times, it doesn't happen at all.
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Does the noise appear only during gear change?
Does it occur when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd?
Does it occur only when the clutch is depressed?
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 AT 8:20 AM
Tiny
BADGERGRAD96
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
We have an automatic car, so it's not a clutch issue. We believe it is occurring when shifting from 2nd into 3rd gear, not during a down shift. We first noticed it on the highway when accelerating quickly to pass other vehicles. Now we are noticing it during city driving.
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 AT 8:28 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Sorry for the mistake.

If the noise occurs at the moment 3rd gear is engaging, then it is possible the clutch for 3rd speed has a fault.

Does the engine rpm appear to overshoot slightly before dropping to stabilise the moment 3rd speed engages? That indicates signs of slipping and would be a fault with the trans.

Did you try to retrieve for trouble codes?
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 AT 8:57 AM
Tiny
BADGERGRAD96
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
While driving the car yesterday I paid more attention to when the noise occurs, and it seems to be when shifting from 2nd/3rd gear. Doesn't seem to matter if it is an upshift or down shift. Always occurs right about 2200 rmp (no upshoot in rpm). I was sitting in the passenger seat and the noise seemed be be coming from right underneath me or slightly behind.

I haven't tried to retrieve for trouble codes. How do you do that?
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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 7:40 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Most part stores such as Autozone provides free scanning services. Let me know the exact trouble code if any found.

Do you mean the noise is at 2 to 3 up shift and 4 to 3 down shift or 3 to 2 down shift?

If it is a scraping noise as if something is vibrating, it could be from the exhaust heat shield as the transmission or its components would not have any noise coming out except from the front.
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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 2:13 PM

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