New here, my 09 maxima making tapping noise when start in the morning and will go away after about a minute. I need to identified what the problem is this, look like coming from timing chain area. TIA
This is the video I uploaded on youtube :

 

That sounds like a rod knock, I could be wrong but that's what it sounds to me. I believe there was a recall a while back on certain 7th gen Maximas having this knocking issue.

 

If rod knock don't you think will be doing it all the time? Mine only happen in the morning after sat overnight. Thanks

 

Yeah I'm not sure if it's a rod knock but it sounds like a rod knock may not necessarily be one but that's what it sounds exactly like, Valve tapping is less noisy than that. I've never dealt with rod knock problems but I know people that have and it is usually constant and gets worse as you rev or the car heats up. It's possible you can have a manifold problem that after the car warms up some it swells and goes away.

 

Since the knock goes away after a minute I would say it is a broken exhaust manifold bolt. When the manifold gets warm/hot it reseals itself and quiets the sound. My Dodge Ram does it and a lot of Rams have it and broken manifold bolts are the cause. Replace the bolts and there is no knock.

 

That possible, I will check again tomorrow morning. But the sound I'm sure coming from timing chain area, thanks.

 

Yes definitely check that manifold, Please let us know how you make out. Good luck!

 

Thank you Richard66 and MaximusN8 for the advices and I did checked the manifold I didn't find any broken bolt. I think is time to go to nissan and ask them to check out the problem, any idea how much they charged for inspect the car out of warranty?

 

Most charge about $100-125 for a diagnostic fee. Since the knock only takes place when engine is cold you will have to leave it overnight and tell the service writer of the short time it happens, otherwise some tech who doesn't know this will start it up, drive it into the service bay and the noise will be gone.

 

i'm going with it's because of the timing chain tensioner. noise decreases & then goes away as/after pressure builds up in the tensioner pushing the chain guide & the chain out to where it's supposed to be. this was common on higher mileage 4th gens (and likely others also). how many miles on yours? there used to be a little access panel on the 4th gens (kind of a mirror image of the one for the water pump), and probably is on the 7th gens, to get to it. it's relatively easy to do but as always, it's tight in there and you don't want to drop stuff into there. the fsm should lay out how to do it.

 

Thanks

 

Thats I suspected too, just want to making sure is really the problem or not before I start doing it. Also when I looked on the repair manual I can access the timing chain tensioner after remove the IVT cover. Looked so tight space!!

 

I agree drop it off at the end of the day, They do usually charge about 100-125 give or take just to look at it so be prepared for that. You can also go to your own local mechanic and see if they will diagnose it for you most independent mechanics won't charge you to look at it at least not in my area.. Let us know how you make out!

 

What it sounds like and what you described sounds like the beginnings of piston slap. It happens for high mileage cars that have excessive wear in the cylinder bores. The sound goes away eventually because metal expands when heated. It doesn't sound like valve tap because the repetitions are too quick. Either way, you need to go into the engine to confirm the problem and resolve the problem.

 

Hi, sorry got so busy on work. Just dropped my car last night at Nissan, so I'm gonna wait what they say.

 

Best of luck tomorrow.

 

Just back from Nissan and they said the problem are belt tensioner and a/c compressor for $1488.

 

Ouch, were you having A/C issues?

 

They said the noise coming from A/C compressor magnet clutch, but I don't have any problem with my A/C.

 

Just replaced belt tensioner on Saturday, didn’t replace the ac compressor clutch yet. So far I’m not heard the noise, hopefully that is and I don’t have to replace the ac compressor clutch anymore ( bought it already). Thank you for the advices all.