2001 Nissan Maxima noise when driving?

Maintenance/Repairs
1

I started to hear some noise (like pipe scratching?) at times when driving. It comes on briefly and goes away. Today, it seems to be more noticable and seems like it’s when I’m turning? I would appreciate any help!!

2

"Pipe scratching’?

Can you elaborate on that?

What location does the noise seem to be coming from?

3

It seems like it’s from the driver side. I’m kinda clueless of where exactly. Though sometimes it makes like a “geeeeeeh” noise, and sometimes it sounds like “geeh-geeh-geeh-geeh-geeh…”. Sorry… I’m bad at describing car sound.

Thanks for replying!

4

Possibly the plastic splash shield around the wheel well is rubbing against the tire. Look for rub marks on the splash shield.

5

I don’t think it’s that. I did check the tires many times and didn’t see anything rubbing against them. The sound definitely sounds like it’s from the driver side, but from underneath the car? Sounds like something is hitting some metal parts?

Thank You!

6

OK, it’s definitely coming from the driver side front tire area. My friend thinks it’s the brakes. I had all the brakes replaced earlier this year. It sounds like it makes the scratching metal sound more when I’m turning right, but it also does it once or twice when driving straight.

7

Some possibilities could be a wheel bearing going out. Try veering the car somewhat sharply to the left and note if you hear any noise. Do the reverse and veer to the right sharply. If the noise appears while veering right then it MAY be a wheel bearing.
Several friends of the family have 01 and 02 Altimas that have experienced early wheel bearing failure.

Another possibility could be a bent brake rotor shield. This could have been tweaked when the brakes were done and can be a hit and miss type of noise. It hurts nothing but it’s aggravating.

Another could be an improperly installed brake pad anti-rattle clip or pad.

The only thing I can recommend is put the car on the rack and take a look.

8

Thank You for all the responses! I finlly took the car in and they told me is the exhaust/heat shield thing that was loose. They welded it back and the noise seems to be gone now.

Thanks for the help!