Duplicate The Noise And Test Drive

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or location of the noise. This information can be used to duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.

If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to duplicate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:

Close a door.
Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
Rev the engine.
Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle "twist".
At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on CVT and A/T model).
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the vehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the vehicle body.