Nissan Repair: Front engine noise.., metal shields, nissan maxima

Question
QUESTION: Hello Von,

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima with 133K miles. For the past month, every time I shut off my car I always seems to hear a whinning noise coming from the front engine. It last for few seconds. Also, after the noise goes away, I hear ticking noises.
After 5 to 10 minutes, while i'm still in the garage, I'll hear a tick every so often and this when the car is turned off.

Any suggestions?

since the car is in the garage, I can hear the noises better, W

ANSWER: The whinning noise is most probably the fluid filled engine mounts.  If they are not leaking there are no worries on this.  The second ticking noise is the exhaust cooling as the metal shields cool they contract at a different rate than the exhaust pipe within.  I have a 2000 Maxima SE with over 150K on the car...  Great car!

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

QUESTION: I had my front engine mount replaced couple months back and it's made a huge difference! My rear mount needs to be replaced too but my mechanic didn't have time to replace it. I understand that both have a sensor and if I disconnect the sensor on the rear mount, will that eliminate the whinning noise? I will get the mount replaced once the weather gets warmer.


Answer
Hector,

Yes, I have replaced both of mine too.  The back one is much more difficult to get to.  I would leave it plugged in as the computer will know it is disconnected.  Plus, if it is still working only partially it will help control motor movement.  The mounts work with ferro fluid.  That is, when at idle they are soft and when the car is moving they become firm via an electro-magnet.