Hiiiiii guys! I'm new to this site (and yes a female if you haven't guessed it yet) and I have a few questions. So I have an '04 black 6th generation maxima in great condition. I just bought it a few months ago (has 90k miles) and I have 2 minor issues with the car. First when I start the car the motor seems to have a tapping sound. What could that be and how can I get rid of it. My mechanic really didn't have an answer for me, he said it was fine. Also I noticed, if I start my engine lightly - the tapping isn't as loud. Or if I start it and it's loud - I shut the car off and restart the engine lightly and the sound isn't as loud. Anyone have a clue as to what it is? Thanks so much for any insight on this matter!

2nd question: There's a vibration coming from under the driver's side - it usually starts about 1-2 minutes into driving, and it lasts for about 5 seconds and never comes back. Any ideas? Could it be the shock absorbers? I recently had an oil change and was told everything was fine.

 

The tapping noise is a signal of low oil...if the oil wasn't changed recently. Several post on this same issue.

The vibration seems to be in the suspension components...shocks...tie rods...end links...mechanic need to jack car up and search for uneven play in the suspension. Try also rotors...the rotors could be out of round and shims the calipers then eventually is free from rubbing....I say more the later of the two...have the same problem on my fx35 and it was due to the rotors...

Let us know the outcome

 

Thanks for the help! I just changed the brakes and rotors about 3 months ago, so it's not that and I had an oil change about a month ago too. I think you're right it's prob the shocks and or tie rods. The mechanic mentioned something bout that and I totally forgot til you wrote here so thanks! I'll keep you posted.

 

well if its a ticking noise maybe its the timing chain tensioner. You can find the exact same noise if you type it in youtube.com "Nissan maxima engine noise" and hear the "ticking" not tapping iono check it out and see if its the same noise. the 3.5 engines usually have that issue

 

tapping is normal for this engine. Nothing to worry about as long as it is small tapping not super loud. I recommend to everyone to use higher viscosity oil. Nissan recommends using 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, and 10w40. At the least use 10w40. It is getting colder outside and most people go for the 5w30, but I can tell you it will not make a huge difference. I use 15w50 mobile 1 synthetic and have for the past 7 years. The ticking is pretty much non exsistant. I would look at the ticket from the place you had the oil changed and see what type of oil was used. If it was 5w30 then it will be this way until you change it. There are additives to make the oil thicker that you can get at your local autozone or orielys. Lucus oil additive is a good one, and so is Motor Honey. You can also use CD2 Engine quieter. It does the same thing. Stay away from Reslone products or anything with metal flakes in it. Reslone has copper flaking in it, which messes with the sensors a lot and will leave you stranded. Good luck and hope this helps.

 

I have an 07 M35 same engine block and it has a light tap I owned a 2004 maxima same deal these engines are noisy