Nissan Repair: Growling Noise, 2002 nissan altima, nissan altima

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2002 Nissan Altima with a little over 100,000 miles.  It seems like when it gets close to the time for an oil change, there is a loud growling noise coming from I guess the engine when I accelerate.  Once the oil change is done, I don't hear the noise anymore until it's time for another oil change.  Any idea what that is, and how it can be fixed?

ANSWER: Hi Tamiko -

Can you tell me if you check your oil level right before it is changed? You may be losing oil and be below the desired level by the time service is due. This may cause that sound.

Please get back to me -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No, I don't check the oil level before I take it in for an oil change.  If I were losing oil, would a see an oil puddle in my garage where the car is parked?

ANSWER: Hi Tamiko -

No, not necessarily. You could be burning it off, or it could be a leak from the sending unit, in both cases undetectable unless the engine is running.

Does this growling noise increase intensity with engine speed?

let me know
calvin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, when I press the gas.

Answer
Tamiko -

I was re-reading your correspondence and thought it could also be the power steering. Who does the service on the car? Normally if you take it to a repair shop, they usually check all fluid levels, including the power steering. It could be low, and they are filling it up each time. And a growling noise couild definitely come from a low level of power steering fluid.

So, I would suggest that when the next service nears, have someone check all the fluid levels before any work is done, and then perhaps we can catch what is wrong. At least it will drive us in the right direction.

This thread will not allow you to continue after about 5 answers, so if it does, you may email me directly at cjiwash@yahoo.com

Thanks and aloha
'calvin