Classification: Reference: Date: EM05-003e NTB05-021e March 10, 2010 EXHAUST RATTLE / BUZZING NOISE This bulletin has been amended. The title, ACTIONS, PARTS INFORMATION, and the SERVICE PROCEDURE have been updated. A FLOW CHART has been added. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. APPLIED VEHICLES: APPLIED VINS: APPLIED DATES: IF YOU CONFIRM 2004 2006 Maxima (A34) 2004 2007 Quest (V42) 2003 2006 Murano (Z50) 2004 2006 Maxima, all VINs 2004 2006 Quest, all VINs 2007 Quest built before: 5N1BV(*)8U(*)7N136219 2003 2005 Murano, all VINs 2006 Murano built before: JN8AZ08T(*)6W 402002 (2WD) or JN8AZ08W(*)6W 505916 (AWD) 2004 2006 Maxima, all dates 2004 2006 Quest, all dates 2007 Quest built before: March 26, 2007 2003 2005 Murano, all dates 2006 Murano built before: October 20, 2005 There is an exhaust rattle/buzzing noise that sounds like it is coming from the front exhaust tube. ACTIONS 1. Inspect both of the catalyst front tube support brackets for breaks, cracks, or missing bolts. 2. If you have determined that the support brackets need to be replaced: NOTE: For Quest, first refer to the REPAIR FLOW CHART on Page 3. Replace both support brackets and bolts with new parts (see PARTS INFORMATION). It is not necessary to replace the front tube assembly. For Maxima with 5 speed A/T only: install the exhaust tube mounting brackets (see PARTS INFORMATION). For repair procedure, refer to SERVICE PROCEDURE starting on Page 4. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTIONS (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST follow the entire Repair Flow Chart and Service Procedure (as it applies to your vehicle) since it contains information that is essential to successfully completing the repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. 1/8
PARTS INFORMATION DESCRIPTION Gusset/Bracket - Rear MODEL/ TRANSMISSION PART # QUANTITY Maxima 20817-7Y010 Quest - 4AT (only) 1 Murano 20817-CA010 Gusset/Bracket - Front 4AT / 6MT / CVT 20817-CA110 Maxima - 5AT 20817-7Y110 1 Bracket, Upper - Exhaust Tube Mounting Bracket, Lower - Exhaust Tube Mounting Maxima - 5AT 20711-ZK30A 1 Maxima - 5AT 20711-CA020 1 Nut - Flange Maxima - 5AT 08918-3401A 2 Bolt - Hex All (except Quest 5AT) 14069-CA010 4 CLAIMS INFORMATION Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding: DESCRIPTION PFP OP CODE SYM DIA FRT RPL Front and/or Rear Exhaust Tube Bracket/Gusset (1) FX21AA ZL 01 0.5hrs (1) Reference the Parts Information Table and use the applicable Gusset P/N as the PFP. 2/8 NTB05-021e
REPAIR FLOW CHART (FOR QUEST ONLY) Verified: Rattle / buzz noise heard. Is the noise coming from the front exhaust tube area? Yes No This bulletin does not apply. Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for further assistance. 4 speed A/T 5 speed A/T REMOVE and discard the front and rear gusset/brackets. Are the front and/or rear gusset/brackets cracked or broken? No Yes REMOVE and discard the upper and lower exhaust tube mounting brackets. Go to SERVICE PROCEDURE on Page 4. This bulletin does not apply. Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for further assistance. No further action needed. Do NOT install any parts listed in this bulletin. 3/8 NTB05-021e
SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Inspect both front and rear support brackets on the catalyst front tube (see Figure 1). Brackets are located between the exhaust flange of Bank 1 catalyst and the transmission housing. Check for breaks or cracks, and loose or missing bolts. See examples of breaks and cracks on the next page. Catalyst/front tube support bracket - Towards rear of engine Catalyst/front tube support bracket - Towards front of engine Figure 1 4/8 NTB05-021e
NOTE: Breaks or cracks may be found anywhere on the bracket body or at the mounting bolt holes. Cracks appear in a hair line form. Example of break and crack on rear support bracket. Break Crack Figure 2 Example of break on front support bracket. Break Figure 3 5/8 NTB05-021e
2. If either (or both) of the front and rear support brackets are broken/cracked, or have loose or missing bolts, replace both brackets and all their bolts as follows: a. Remove and discard the original bolts and brackets. NOTE: For Quest with 5 speed A/T only, STOP HERE. No further action is needed. Do NOT install new brackets and bolts after brackets and bolts removal. b. Loosely install the new front and rear support brackets and bolts. Front and rear support brackets and bolts are listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin. c. Position both front and rear support brackets so that each bolt is centered in the bolt holes. d. Hand tighten each bolt to hold it in the centered position. e. Torque each bolt to 19.0-25.0 N m (1.93 2.43 kg-m, 14-18.4 ft-lb), starting with the transmission side bolt. 6/8 NTB05-021e
3. For Maxima with 5-speed A/T ONLY, install the exhaust tube mounting brackets (upper and lower) and flange nuts listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin. See Figures 4, 5, and 6. Exhaust tube mounting bracket - Upper Torque each nut: 30.4-39.2 N m (3.1-4.0 kg-m, 22.4-28.9 ft-lb) Exhaust tube mounting bracket - Lower Figure 4 Flange nuts Figure 5 Install upper bracket around exhaust tube. Figure 5 Figure 6 Attach lower bracket to upper bracket using two flange nuts. 7/8 NTB05-021e
4. Make sure the rattle/buzzing noise is gone. Conduct a short test drive involving several low speed part throttle accelerations. It is best to listen for unusual exhaust noise while driving with windows down and driving next to an object such as a wall, hedge, or parked cars. Any unusual noises, if they exist, will reflect back to your car and are more noticeable. 8/8 NTB05-021e