Ticking sound over 4000rpm, driver's side

[Super Tanooki]

Hey guys,

I've just noticed I'm getting a clearly audible clicking/tapping sound from 4000rpm and above coming from the area in front of the driver (so kind of like under the steering column). At first I thought it was a piece of plastic in the interior that was rattling, but its sounds more mechanical than that, and it's distinctively driver's side, sort of above the foot well.

Speed doesn't matter - I can be doing 40mph in second, or ~90mph in 4th - it appears specifically at 4000rpm and gets slightly louder and faster in frequency as the revs climb. If I had the radio playing (which I mostly do) I wouldn't notice it, but I was driving silent today and noticed it there. Sure it wasn't there before - it's new.

Just FYI, it's not the clutch tapping sounds, I get that too but only at a standstill. This is more of a metal-on-metal sort of tapping, although it can't be felt, only heard.

Sorry if I'm not being specific enough, but I was wondering if any of you might have an idea what it is? Either way I'll be taking a Nissan tech out in it to have it checked out.

Oh, it's an 09, and has 7200m on it.

[Footloose301]

Bad fuel?

[m4a1mustang]

What fuel are you running?

Have you checked your oil level recently?

[Super Tanooki]

V-power fuel, oil checked about three weeks ago. It was within the limits, albeit towered the lower limit, but I have an oil change coming up in 500 miles or so so I figured I'd wait. Not long bought the car (used) and they couldn't tell me confidently what oil thy put in it otherwise I'd have topped it up.

[RCZ]

How loud is it?

Why wouldnt you just get an oil change? Just get it early, although I doubt thats it.

Take it to the dealer...might be bad.

[cfweber]

you and I both know it needs to go in to the shop

if no loss of power it may not be bad

any expert mechanics in Vegas?

[jnaut]

do you have long tube headers? or headers at all?

[Super Tanooki]

Yeah I've got an appointment to take it in tomorrow. Will get all my fluids done then and probably an oil consumption test.

It's loud enough to hear over the stereo if the volume is low.

And the car's all stock. No mods at all yet.

[Super Tanooki]

Ticking sounds just disappeared on its own, but I took it to the dealership anyway because the oil level was low. It turns out they had no record of having ever changed the oil, despite them specifically telling me that they change the oil in every used car they get in before selling it. I had them do an oil consumption test anyway just to make sure.

On another note, I FINALLY got my dealership to acknowledge my "normal" vibrating clutch, and they've agreed to throw in a new throw-out bearing and clutch cover. That, I pray to the stars, should hopefully rid me of the annoying knocking I get from the pedal.

[Mandingo]

Glad to hear the noise has disappeared on its own. Ticking/tapping sounds at various rpms can sometimes be exhaust leaks. Happened to me after installing my hfc b/c we didn't tighten down one of bolts enough

Its scary they didn't have a record of changing the oil after they told you it was changed though!

[Q8y_drifter]

Is it the same as this? >>

Knowledgebase - Infinitihelp.com Forums

"Classification: HA07-001c

Reference: ITB07-007c

Date: March 23, 2009

G35 / G37 / EX35; TAPPING NOISE FROM DASH AREA
WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING

This bulletin amends ITB07-007b. The Applied Vehicles section has been revised.
No other content has changed. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES: 2007 – 2008 G35 Sedan (V36)
2009 G37 Sedan (V36)
2007 G35 Coupe (V35)
2008 - 2009 G37 Coupe (CV36)
2008 EX35 (J50)

IF YOU CONFIRM
A tapping noise coming from the dash area when the engine is running at operating temperature.

NOTE: This tapping noise, if it should occur, sounds like a screwdriver being tapped on the work bench. The tapping speed increases and decrease with the engine RPM and may require engine RPM of about 3000 for the noise to be heard.

DETERMINE IF
The noise is coming from inside the heater core (see Service Procedure).

ACTION
“Back-Flush” the heater core to remove gray silicone debris."


Anyhow, the TSB goes on how to clean the debris. Since the engines are the same then the problem most likely also exists with Nissan. Check with the dealer to see if there is a TSB similar to this.