Unexplained vibration - Nissan Murano

Raynor · 09-29-2011, 07:28 PM

Hi all -

I'm new to the site, but was referred here by a friend.

Here's my situation:
I have a 2007 Murano SL AWD with approximately 45,000 miles on it. About a month ago, I noticed a very annoying vibration coming from the engine compartment/underneath the front 1/3 of the vehicle that resonates only when driving between 20-40 mph, between the 1,000 to 2,000 rpm range. I would say it really "sings" when it hits the 1,500 rpm threshold.

I took it to a local muffler shop thinking it was a loose heat shield or bracket as I have heard that these can cause vibrations on the Muranos, but to no avail, they said everything was solid, no issues with the exhaust. I then proceeded to take it to the dealer, who promptly diagnosed that the sound was coming from something rattling in the down (?) exhaust pipe which connects the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converters. I was relieved to hear it was covered under warranty. However, after they replaced the part and I picked the car up from the dealer, the sound/vibration is still there - it's almost as if they did nothing to the vehicle (glad I didn't pay for it out of pocket!).

I think I found the end of the internet trying to see if anyone has found a solution to this because this issue pops up quite a bit, but I haven't found a solution (usually the threads just end with no resolution). I've read everything from fuel dampers to using low octane gas as possible causes (I use premium gas BTW). One guy said that his FRAM oil filter was causing the problem.

Does anyone have thoughts as to what could be causing this issue? I'm so lost!

Appreciate the help.

nitely · 09-30-2011, 02:02 AM

Maybe the motor mounts gone? Did anybody check that yet? Is there a very audible sound when it happens? Try to give a better description of the vibration. Record and post if you can capture it on video.

Raynor · 09-30-2011, 07:18 AM

The vibration occurs when lightly depressing the accelerator and when the RPMs are in the neighborhood of 1,500. It vibrates the front section of the dash, I can feel it in the steering wheel, pedal, and even the center console area as it shakes the cup holder cover. It's almost like a subwoofer sounding a really low note that changes pitch when the gas is pressed harder. It's very audible and the vibration is very noticeable. When I get to highway speeds and the engine is above 2,000 RPM, I don't really notice it. I'll try to record what it is I'm hearing this weekend and post it here.

The dealer had already ruled out the motor mounts.

Thanks again.

Pilgrim · 09-30-2011, 11:25 AM

It's always possible for things to happen at the same time by coincidence. However, you can reasonably wonder if that's the case4. Whenever work is done on a car and another problem manifests itself immediately afterwards, it's reasonable to ask whether the work done could have created or influenced the problem. Sometimes repair A reveals that problem B was present, but problem A masked it until it was corrected.

The PS hose should have nothing to do with the vibration, but the question to me is whether they had to disconnect or adjust anything which COULD cause vibration while they worked on the hose. I haven't done a hose (and hope not to), so I'm not clear on the process.

It would be worth having them check tie rod ends, control arms and even such mundane things as lug nuts...it's not impossible for someone to leave the lug nuts loose.

Raynor · 09-30-2011, 11:46 AM

What's a PS hose? The problem with the vibration was there before they replaced section of the exhaust. Thanks for the suggestion regarding the tie rods.

Pilgrim · 09-30-2011, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raynor

What's a PS hose? The problem with the vibration was there before they replaced section of the exhaust. Thanks for the suggestion regarding the tie rods.

DANG! I got your post mixed up with another. PS=power steering. I thought your post related to a vibration after having a PS hose changed, and I didn't re-read your original post.

My apologies!

Thinking out loud.....

Vibrations are usually caused by mechanical assemblies, but can sometimes be caused by wind moving loose objects. The fact that you have the noise between 20-40 MPH makes me a bit suspicious of anything can can flap on the front end.

However, it sounds like the problem is also tied to engine RPM...which isn't necessarily speed related. Does it also happen at higher speeds of you're at 1500 RPM?

I once drove a Chevy van where some of the insulation under the hood came loose and at 40 MPH the wind forced it back over the air cleaner's intake snorkel, essentially strangling the engine. Robbed most of the power and made for extremely bad gas mileage. Took two tries for a really good mechanic to find it.

Suggestion: drive it with the service manager if possible so that he can witness the problem. Chances are that the service manager has enough experience to make a good guess if they've witnessed it. A mechanic would also be OK.

polat y · 09-30-2011, 01:29 PM

i have the same problem i could produce the sound by shifting to drive and pressing left foot on brake and right foot pressing the gas all the way to 1500 rpm ,if you could do the same then rule out wheel bearing,engine mount ,axle,heat shild 2 things i haven't done yet .
1- using nissan oil filter
2- knock sensor
this week i will change my fram oil filter with nissan one if doesn't help i will trade it with another murano.

Raynor · 09-30-2011, 02:04 PM

No worries about the confusion with another thread.
I would say anytime the rpms are in the 1500 range regardless of speed it's noticable but especially between 20-40 mph due to not as much wind/road noise as with higher speeds.

Please let me know if you are successful with replacing the oil filter. I have no idea why this would cause this issue but at this point I'm open to any suggestions since the dealer is left scratching their heads along with me.

badfish · 09-30-2011, 02:22 PM

Chiming in here... I have a 2004 Murano SL and it does the same exact thing. My best guess is that it is coming from the CVT since it only happens at low speeds/RPM. Once my Murano has been on the road for a bit it tends to go away "slightly" but not completely.

I am actually getting ready to go out and change the CVT fluid and see if it helps at all. If not I am taking it to the dealer and have it looked at.

Raynor · 09-30-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badfish

Chiming in here... I have a 2004 Murano SL and it does the same exact thing. My best guess is that it is coming from the CVT since it only happens at low speeds/RPM. Once my Murano has been on the road for a bit it tends to go away "slightly" but not completely.

I am actually getting ready to go out and change the CVT fluid and see if it helps at all. If not I am taking it to the dealer and have it looked at.

You don't happen to have a FRAM oil filter do you?

polat y · 09-30-2011, 03:20 PM

i did change cvt oil did not help at all,,,this is murano mystery i will change the oil filter this weekend i will let you guy's know.

badfish · 09-30-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raynor

You don't happen to have a FRAM oil filter do you?

Actually, I do. But I normally use Mobil-1 filters and oil. I got FRAM this time because they were out and I was too lazy to go anywhere else.

I just got done changing my CVT fluid and when I went for a quick 5 minute drive I didn't notice the vibration at all. However, the engine, tranny, etc. were all warm from my drive home from work so that could have something to do with it.

So I am clear on what my problem is...when I start the car and back out I notice a vibration that I can feel and somewhat hear through the brake pedal. As I start to drive forward until about 5-10 mph I also notice it. After I pick up speed beyond 10 mph it cant feel it anymore and dont really notice it after that because everything is "warmed up".

I would really love to get this figured out with you guys because it is annoying and worrisome at the same time!

Raynor · 09-30-2011, 04:21 PM

I hear you. My MO was being examined for 5 hours yesterday by my dealer's "best mechanic" and he was extremely puzzled. At least they have acknowledged something is wrong with it. The service advisor said they have researched all of the Technical Service Bulletins and none address this issue. Their last ditched effort is to call the 1-800 number at Nissan to get advice. We'll see how that goes.

badfish · 10-01-2011, 12:20 PM

Well, I went on a quick run this morning and I didn't get the vibration nearly as bad as it was before but it is apparent there is still "something" there between 0-5 mph. I am extremely curious as to what the dealer comes back with so please keep us posted!

Raynor · 10-01-2011, 01:24 PM

I'm suppose to hear something on Monday or Tuesday. Will definitely keep you all posted. It's a shame that what was once a $30,000+ vehicle has issues like this. I can go on and on of all the things that have been replaced since I purchased it (wheel bearings, exhaust pipe, electronic gas door lock).

I've got a 2000 Altima as well and while it hasn't been "maintenance-free" it's been a very reliable car.

The wife and I have new car fever today but I'm hoping they can resolve this issue - it makes my skin crawl every time I hear the sound!

BTW - badfish, is your name from the Sublime song?

09-29-2011, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Raynor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 16	Unexplained vibration Hi all - I'm new to the site, but was referred here by a friend. Here's my situation: I have a 2007 Murano SL AWD with approximately 45,000 miles on it. About a month ago, I noticed a very annoying vibration coming from the engine compartment/underneath the front 1/3 of the vehicle that resonates only when driving between 20-40 mph, between the 1,000 to 2,000 rpm range. I would say it really "sings" when it hits the 1,500 rpm threshold. I took it to a local muffler shop thinking it was a loose heat shield or bracket as I have heard that these can cause vibrations on the Muranos, but to no avail, they said everything was solid, no issues with the exhaust. I then proceeded to take it to the dealer, who promptly diagnosed that the sound was coming from something rattling in the down (?) exhaust pipe which connects the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converters. I was relieved to hear it was covered under warranty. However, after they replaced the part and I picked the car up from the dealer, the sound/vibration is still there - it's almost as if they did nothing to the vehicle (glad I didn't pay for it out of pocket!). I think I found the end of the internet trying to see if anyone has found a solution to this because this issue pops up quite a bit, but I haven't found a solution (usually the threads just end with no resolution). I've read everything from fuel dampers to using low octane gas as possible causes (I use premium gas BTW). One guy said that his FRAM oil filter was causing the problem. Does anyone have thoughts as to what could be causing this issue? I'm so lost! Appreciate the help.

09-30-2011, 11:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
Pilgrim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 2,024	It's always possible for things to happen at the same time by coincidence. However, you can reasonably wonder if that's the case4. Whenever work is done on a car and another problem manifests itself immediately afterwards, it's reasonable to ask whether the work done could have created or influenced the problem. Sometimes repair A reveals that problem B was present, but problem A masked it until it was corrected. The PS hose should have nothing to do with the vibration, but the question to me is whether they had to disconnect or adjust anything which COULD cause vibration while they worked on the hose. I haven't done a hose (and hope not to), so I'm not clear on the process. It would be worth having them check tie rod ends, control arms and even such mundane things as lug nuts...it's not impossible for someone to leave the lug nuts loose. __________________ 2007 Murano 1983 280ZX Turbo 1994 BMW 325i

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09-30-2011, 02:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
nitely Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,418	Maybe the motor mounts gone? Did anybody check that yet? Is there a very audible sound when it happens? Try to give a better description of the vibration. Record and post if you can capture it on video.

09-30-2011, 07:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
Raynor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 16	The vibration occurs when lightly depressing the accelerator and when the RPMs are in the neighborhood of 1,500. It vibrates the front section of the dash, I can feel it in the steering wheel, pedal, and even the center console area as it shakes the cup holder cover. It's almost like a subwoofer sounding a really low note that changes pitch when the gas is pressed harder. It's very audible and the vibration is very noticeable. When I get to highway speeds and the engine is above 2,000 RPM, I don't really notice it. I'll try to record what it is I'm hearing this weekend and post it here. The dealer had already ruled out the motor mounts. Thanks again.

09-30-2011, 11:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
Raynor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 16	What's a PS hose? The problem with the vibration was there before they replaced section of the exhaust. Thanks for the suggestion regarding the tie rods.

09-30-2011, 01:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
polat y Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 45	i have the same problem i could produce the sound by shifting to drive and pressing left foot on brake and right foot pressing the gas all the way to 1500 rpm ,if you could do the same then rule out wheel bearing,engine mount ,axle,heat shild 2 things i haven't done yet . 1- using nissan oil filter 2- knock sensor this week i will change my fram oil filter with nissan one if doesn't help i will trade it with another murano.

09-30-2011, 02:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
Raynor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 16	No worries about the confusion with another thread. I would say anytime the rpms are in the 1500 range regardless of speed it's noticable but especially between 20-40 mph due to not as much wind/road noise as with higher speeds. Please let me know if you are successful with replacing the oil filter. I have no idea why this would cause this issue but at this point I'm open to any suggestions since the dealer is left scratching their heads along with me.

09-30-2011, 02:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
badfish Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4	Chiming in here... I have a 2004 Murano SL and it does the same exact thing. My best guess is that it is coming from the CVT since it only happens at low speeds/RPM. Once my Murano has been on the road for a bit it tends to go away "slightly" but not completely. I am actually getting ready to go out and change the CVT fluid and see if it helps at all. If not I am taking it to the dealer and have it looked at.

09-30-2011, 03:20 PM	#11 (permalink)
polat y Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 45	i did change cvt oil did not help at all,,,this is murano mystery i will change the oil filter this weekend i will let you guy's know.

09-30-2011, 04:21 PM	#13 (permalink)
Raynor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 16	I hear you. My MO was being examined for 5 hours yesterday by my dealer's "best mechanic" and he was extremely puzzled. At least they have acknowledged something is wrong with it. The service advisor said they have researched all of the Technical Service Bulletins and none address this issue. Their last ditched effort is to call the 1-800 number at Nissan to get advice. We'll see how that goes.

10-01-2011, 12:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
badfish Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4	Well, I went on a quick run this morning and I didn't get the vibration nearly as bad as it was before but it is apparent there is still "something" there between 0-5 mph. I am extremely curious as to what the dealer comes back with so please keep us posted!

10-01-2011, 01:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
Raynor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 16	I'm suppose to hear something on Monday or Tuesday. Will definitely keep you all posted. It's a shame that what was once a $30,000+ vehicle has issues like this. I can go on and on of all the things that have been replaced since I purchased it (wheel bearings, exhaust pipe, electronic gas door lock). I've got a 2000 Altima as well and while it hasn't been "maintenance-free" it's been a very reliable car. The wife and I have new car fever today but I'm hoping they can resolve this issue - it makes my skin crawl every time I hear the sound! BTW - badfish, is your name from the Sublime song?

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