I noticed this morning that my car had this jack hammer t...


I noticed this morning that my car had this jack hammer type sound that seemed to increase with RPM. It happened again after work, but worse, and I’m worried it’s something bad. I recently had an oil change this year, but did driv...

I noticed this morning that my car had this jack hammer type sound that seemed to increase with RPM. It happened again after work, but worse, and I’m worried it’s something bad. I recently had an oil change this year, but did drive quite a bit. The sound is not exactly in sync Mechanic's Assistant: When was your last oil change? August of 2020 Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model of your '20 car? 2004 Infiniti g35 Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your G35 yourself? What have you tried so far? I usually fix it but recently have not been able to work on it since moving into an apartment. I normally do my oil changes but this time I had someone else do it Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? I had a code for the camshaft sensor come up but have yet to fix it

Automotive Expert
Hello, My name is\*\*\*\*\*'ve been working on cars since 1990, I have been a Just Answer expert since 2008. Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your vehicle. I will be happy to assist you. You will see an option to receive a phone call prompted by the website, you can agree to or decline. If you do not wish to use the Phone Service, we can continue chatting this way back and forth until you are satisfied with my help. Just keep in mind, it does take me time to respond. I am a Automotive Technician, I am not a fast typer. So lets get started.... Can I ask to whom I have the pleasure of speaking with today?

Jason Rabahieh
Automotive Expert
Hello Jason, Nice to meet you! I am sorry to hear about this noise you are getting. I will do my best to help you with this. Can you tell me how often this happens?

It just started happening yesterday after coming back from California to Phoenix
Automotive Expert
It makes this noise all the time now or does it come and go?

It gradually builds up. This morning it was only when accelerating and it would stop and after work it started shortly after starting my carBut was constant at that point
Automotive Expert
I have seen exhaust leaks which can sound like this. Any chance you can take a video clip of the noise and upload it to You Tube and share the link with me so I can view and hear it?

Sure give me a minute
Automotive Expert
k

https://youtu.be/vhWNPsQM\_fc
Automotive Expert
Thank you for that video. That is a timing chain rattle. So you most likely have a timing chain guide or tensioner causing this issue.

Is this caused by low oil? Cause I Change it every 3000 miles religiouslyAlso what would be the average cost?
Automotive Expert
Was the car low on oil? You normally hear this when a tensioner or guide is going bad with the timing chains

It was a little low on oil. I'm gonna put some oil in and see what happens. I'm hoping it's okay because I never let it go low to the point where it would hurt the engine
Automotive Expert
This is normally not due to engine oil level. What happens is that the timing chain tensioner can't hold pressure and it allows the chain to move to much and it makes that noise.

Dang :/ and do you have any idea what the costs are for it?
Automotive Expert
It is around a 2000 dollar repair. It depends on the shop and parts used of course. But when I do timing chains, I don't like to go cheap. This is not the type of job you want to do again if a cheap part fails.

I really appreciate it. Thank you
Automotive Expert
You're welcome and thank you for using JustAnswer.com Kind Regards, Jay!

Just so you know I added oil and it completely fixed it :)
Automotive Expert
That is good news.. The low oil level must have kept the chain tensioner from building enough pressure.

Thanks for all the help. I'm glad it got fixed
Automotive Expert
You are very welcome. Glad it was something simple

What others are asking

How do I use my power windows?
There are many control switches to adjust the powered windows on your vehicle. On the driver’s side door, you’ll find switches to control all windows on your vehicle. If you need to adjust windows while in a passenger’s seat, you’ll...
High frequency vibration from engine
I have never heard of a person loosing the feeling in their hands from the steering vibrations. If it is that bad, then have the tires rotated and balanced to see if the problem goes away. You should not use...
Check Engine Light is on - code P0350
Hi there. Changing the plugs and coils is definitely a plausible route to take; however, this sounds like you have an open circuit in the wire harness, anywhere from the coils to the ECM. Using a digital volt/ohm meter and...
My car's engine intermittently stalls
Hello. If the engine is just shutting off then it may be an electrical issue with the ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement) or the main relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/main-relay-computer-fuel-system-replacement). If the engine starts sputtering before it turns off and then it starts up again...
Flashing Check Engine Light is on. The engine shakes at idle and has low power.
Hi, the first task is to extract the problem codes which are causing the Check Engine light to flash. Most auto parts stores will do this for free. I would suspect plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement) next, and check the condition of...
car cranks but wont start
The most common cause of the engine crank no start (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) is loss of ignition spark from the ignition system. The distributor is known to have internal shaft oil leaks that will short out the internal cam and crankshaft sensors...
dash lights out and tail lights dont work
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having one out of two different issues. One of which would be the headlight switch This switch controls both of the headlight system and taillight system. If the switch is...
How do I get to a 2004 Lincoln Navigator reverse light to change it?
Unfortunately, the rear hatch panel will need to be removed in order to gain access to the reverse light. This panel can be removed by loosening any screws that attach it to the vehicle. Then you can use a small...
1pg warning light on my 2003 dodge durango what does it mean
Hi there. Unfortunately, we're not quite clear as to what warning light you are referring to with this question. Inside your owner manual in the glove box should be a section that talks about warning lights and will provide the...