# Help identify engine rattle - sounds like a pebble is bouncing around in the engine

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-identify-engine-rattle-sounds-like-a-pebble-is-bouncing-around-in-the-engine/95151>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, xterra\
**Created:** [August 31, 2016, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-identify-engine-rattle-sounds-like-a-pebble-is-bouncing-around-in-the-engine/95151 "2016-08-31T21:17:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mads.sfsu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/87869e/32.png) [@mads.sfsu](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mads.sfsu)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2016, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-identify-engine-rattle-sounds-like-a-pebble-is-bouncing-around-in-the-engine/95151/1 "2016-08-31T21:17:07Z")

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Please help me identify what the rattle noise could mean. Ita. 2002 Nissan Xterra with 113k miles. Video here: [https://youtu.be/dncO3Onx1ts](https://youtu.be/dncO3Onx1ts)

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**Author:** ![MY\_2\_CENTS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/22d042/32.png) [@MY\_2\_CENTS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MY_2_CENTS)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2016, 1:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-identify-engine-rattle-sounds-like-a-pebble-is-bouncing-around-in-the-engine/95151/2 "2016-09-01T01:43:51Z")

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I’ve heard bad water pump bearings make a sound like that.

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2016, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-identify-engine-rattle-sounds-like-a-pebble-is-bouncing-around-in-the-engine/95151/3 "2016-09-01T02:16:56Z")

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I can’t specifically identify it on the video, but I suggest you start with an overall evaluation of the engine’s condition, as well as trying to locate its origin with a mechanic’s stethoscope. An engine condition evaluation will include a compression test and an evaluation of the condition of the spark plugs.

My wild guess, and it is no more than that, is that IF your engine has a timing chain… look there. It sounds exactly like my ol’ '89 pickup did when it needed a new timing chain kit at 200,000 miles.

My second wild guess would be that there’s something tired or worn out in the valvetrain. That can be evaluated by a competent shop by doing things like valvelash measurement and testing the springs.

Yup, it needs a hands-on look-see by a competent diagnostician. Let us know what he finds. We do care.