Engine or transmission noise

Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
Recently car has started sounding like airplane noise during acceleration and deceleration. Why?
Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 9:05 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

These cars had a problem with the Continuously Variable Transmission/Trans-axle. The bearings inside go bad along with the friction belt to confirm the issue lets get a fluid sample which will be (if the transmission is bad) it will smell, be a dark color, might have metallic flakes. Here is a guide on how to check the fluid level. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise, that would be great. You can upload it here with your response so I can be sure? Can you confirm the noise location front or rear of the engine?

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Might be difficult to get video of noise to you. If cvt bearings are failing what can be done to fix? Is this an expensive repair? Should we not drive car?
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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Should we try and get rid of car?
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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I do not know if you can get rid of it with that noise. I would make sure what is going on before making a move. Can you tell me if it sounds like it is coming from the transmission area? I need an idea of the origin of the noise. Front of the car rear or? Most people film the instrument cluster and the road while driving. I can get a good idea from that.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Main concern: airplane noise definitely coming from engine compartment most likely transmission definitely not wheel bearings. Is car safe to drive if cvt bearings/belts might malfunction? Cannot do oil test, should we be driving this vehicle or is there a chance it could seize up in middle of road? Safety is major concern.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,363 POSTS
I have not heard the noise but if it is what you are describing I would not be driving it. You can make the problem worse and it can leave you stranded.
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Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018 AT 10:14 AM
Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks for your advice. Trying to avoid $10.000 initial mechanic inspection fee. My friend refuses to stop driving it until it breaks down. Very stubborn and does not trust most mechanics, no offense. You have been very patient and helpful. I can only pray she does not get rear ended and hurt if it breaks down in roadway. Thanks again Ken.
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Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
No offense taken, that is why we started this site so we can offer non bias information while asking nothing in return except to just follow up with up. I hope if it breaks down it is close to home and maybe it is something simple. I know it is difficult but to get a video of the noise would really help. Can you please let us know what happens?
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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Going to take it to dealer where we bought it and have them drain oil and check it as you suggested. If they find that it has metal in oil or oil smells bad, we will look for a reputable transmission mechanic to take it from there. Dealers are not trustworthy in our experience. Could you recommend a good transmission mechanic in our area? (If that is actually the problem)
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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
HYBRID 2010 ALTIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
We are in Fall River, MA.
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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Not too many close to you (Kirks and Bayside). I would call all of them within a Google search to see if they have experience with hybrids and then go from there, try to get an estimate for a for rebuild as well. Check out reviews for any potential candidate. Once the repair is done get the bad parts back and upload them so it will help others with the same problem.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2018 AT 10:27 AM

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