Nissan Repair: 1999 Nissan, accurate diagnosis, loud noise

Question
My Maxima has 260.000 miles.  It makes a loud noise when excellerating. What could it be?

Answer
Hi Dee -

Please explain this noise - Is it loud, soft, sound like a ball in a paint can, or metallic, like metal hitting metal? Does it increase with speed or stay the same, does it go away once you release the gas pedal, only up hills or straightaway?

I am sorry for asking these questions, but since I can't be there to look at the car, I need all the descriptions and information that you can give for an accurate diagnosis.

Thanks
aloha
calvin