95 XE Body noise?

[BillyJack]

I have a 95 Pathfinder XE (120,000 miles). I have owned it since 96 and it’s in fantastic shape for a 15 year old vehicle. I would describe it as in almost mint condition.

 

The driver’s side tension rod broke a few weeks ago and I had them replaced on both sides.

 

About a week after the repairs, the truck started to make a random clunking noise at low speeds. It’s not related to road bumps, turning, braking, engine speed or anything else. The truck drives normally.

 

It’ not a constant noise but it happens every time I drive the truck. It’s a series of two or three loud “thumps” that occurs under 30mph. The truck was also making a squeaking or chirping noise above 50 mph but that seems to have gone away.

 

I took it back to the shop that replaced the tension bars and they said it was body noise coming from the roof. I’ve never heard of anything like that before. They suggested I take it to a body shop.

 

Anybody have any ideas what it might be? And is it something I need to fix?

 

I was hoping to get a few more years from this truck. I put over $2000 into it over the last couple of years (exhaust, CV joints, timing belt, tension rods, fuel sending unit) so I’m pretty much at my limit when it comes to any more expensive repairs. The frame is in good shape.

 

About the only other thing I’m considering is bypassing the tranny cooler and installing an after market unit. Any recommendation for an after market unit? I’ve had the tranny fluid replaced every 30,000 miles.

 

Thanks for your help!

[silverton]

Aftermarket suggestion is at least 16,000GVW. I put a 12,000GVW in mine along with a brand new radiator, and at cruising my trans stays around 150 degrees, out on the trail it stays right at 180.

 

I think the only way you could have body noise is if one of the body mounts deteriorated. Rock the truck back and forth and listen for any noises, get a heavy friend to help you to get the most out of the rocking!

 

And from what I read, you're saying it still makes noises when you're driving on a flat smooth road at a steady speed?

[Kyle94]

kinda sounds like the issue im having...

[OldSlowReliable]

My tranny is "going" (has been for the past 6 years) and between changing the fluid regularly and using a 22k cooler (only $50) it will stay under 180 while not moving on even the hottest days.

[BillyJack]

Well, I got it back today and I haven’t heard the noise since.

 

I talked with the shop owner and he said he heard the noise and that it came from the driver’s side roof area.

 

But it seems to be gone now. I’m thinking it might be a CYA issue with the shop. Believe me, it wasn’t a rattle or some other minor noise, it sounded like a hammer hitting the underside of the truck.

 

I’m glad I found this forum. I love my Pathfinder. My friends and family make fun of my devotion to this truck. But it’s in great condition and I want to get 20 years out of it. Fifteen years without a car payment!

 

I know it gets terrible mileage and is very unrefined compared to the cars and trucks of today but I’m the kind of guy that get attached to his ride and I promise you I’ll be the last owner of this truck.

 

Heading to the local car wash tomorrow and it will look like it just rolled off the showroom. Hell, I’ll take a few pics of the old girl and post them here, where she can be appreciated.

[Precise1]

Sounds like it is fixed, but whatever the noise, I doubt it came from the roof unless they left one of their mechanics tied up there...

 

Welcome Billy (or Jack), it sounds like you have a well serviced/low mileage Pathy.

Mine is low mileage, but I can't attest to what the POs have done so I've tried to maintain everything...

 

Please, post some picts!!

 

B

[silverton]

Do you have a sunroof perhaps?

[BillyJack]

Do you have a sunroof perhaps?

No, I don't have a sunroof but I was thnking of putting one in to spice up the old gal.

 

The noise is gone so I'm pretty happy. I didn't get to the car wash today.

 

She needs new shocks and along with the tranny cooler, I think I'll be set for the next few years.

 

Here's a list of repairs she has needed:

 

New short block at 20K under warranty. Factory defect.

O2 sensor at 30K under warranty.

Two alternators, one at 50K and the other at 95k.

Starter at 100K.

Fuel sending unit went bad at 80K, replaced at 100K.

Tension rods, CV joints, exahust, and timing belt (including water pump) at 115K.

 

Only two brake jobs so far but it's getting close another one. I'm on my third set of tires and my third battery. Everything else has been done to the books and I have never went over 3500 miles between oil chnages.

 

I know frame rot is an issue with this vehcile but, living in Minnesota, I learned long ago to wash the underside of my cars and trucks and I don't have any frame rot issues.

 

My wife drives a Buick Enclave (just a awesome car) and she doesn't understand why I continue to drive my "old" truck. It's a guy thing, I guess.

Edited October 10, 2010 by BillyJack

[adamzan]

Wow that is low mileage for the first alternator. They usually last quite a while.

 

Looks like she hasn't treated you bad at all!