2006 Murano with Engine Knock/Tick at low rpm

[birchtree]

Hi everyone. Got a 2006 Murano SL fully loaded with 54k. A few months ago started to hear a knocking/ticking from my engine intermittently, mostly at low rpms. Since then it has gotten worse to a pretty constant ticking at low rpms, occasional sound at high rpms. I have noticed NO change in engine performance, and there is NO warning lights. But the noise definitely seems engine/lifter/piston related.

I have read on several posts on this forum about people with the same issues. I have read causes anywhere from bad gas (which I changed brands and it didn't help), to timing issues, to bad/loss of compression on a few pistons (leading to engine overhaul). I am at a point where I am scared enough to think about buying an extended warranty.

I guess I am looking for those that may have advice on the next course of action I should take. I would rather not take it into a dealership and get into a big bill without being full educated (and possibly covered by a warranty) before.

Thanks in advance for your advise.

[njjoe]

Welcome to the forum.

Have you ruled out the fuel dampers?

-njjoe

[nitely]

Try using premium fuel and put some cheveron concentrate fuel system cleaner. Do 2 consecutive doses of it--2 half tank full. See if it improves anything before going to the dealer. Check your fluid levels--all of it.

[DMordarski]

The VQ35 of the murano need at least 89 or better gas, they will knock and flutter with 87

[ashajc]

I just updated my thread but my knocking noise today has been diagnosed as a bent caliper. Noise is worst when hot. My brakes were only replaced last year! Never thought it could be that. Also said that the brake fluid lines are burnt out. Also said that a bent caliper can cause the brakes to 'stick' a little or slightly touch the wheel also accounting for a knocking noise...

They are waiting for parts but should be ready tomorrow. I will know for sure and $500 out of pocket by end of tomorrow IF the noise stops! Will update y'all!

[nitely]

WOW. Its kinda hard to actually bend a caliper. Unless you were in an accident I don't see how. But, a malfunctioning piston is very possible which will cause the same thing. One test is to feel the wheels --all 4 and see if anyone is much hotter than the rest. That will indicate the dragging pads.

[njjoe]

A bent caliper? Are you sure they said "bent caliper"? I have never heard of a bent caliper before. I have heard of stuck or frozen calipers, and even bent (warped) discs, but never a bent caliper. That's a new one.

-njjoe

[birchtree]

Originally Posted by njjoe

Welcome to the forum.

Have you ruled out the fuel dampers?

-njjoe

Where are the fuel dampers and how should I service them?

[birchtree]

Originally Posted by ashajc

I just updated my thread but my knocking noise today has been diagnosed as a bent caliper. Noise is worst when hot. My brakes were only replaced last year! Never thought it could be that. Also said that the brake fluid lines are burnt out. Also said that a bent caliper can cause the brakes to 'stick' a little or slightly touch the wheel also accounting for a knocking noise...

They are waiting for parts but should be ready tomorrow. I will know for sure and $500 out of pocket by end of tomorrow IF the noise stops! Will update y'all!

I don't think this is MY issue... But thanks for the input!

[birchtree]

Originally Posted by nitely

Try using premium fuel and put some cheveron concentrate fuel system cleaner. Do 2 consecutive doses of it--2 half tank full. See if it improves anything before going to the dealer. Check your fluid levels--all of it.

I have been using PREMIUM gas. I have only owned this murano for about 3 months, so I can't speak for the previous owner. Perhaps a cleaner will help. Not sure if we have Cheveron brand available in WI. Would other brands work?

[ashajc]

Originally Posted by njjoe

A bent caliper? Are you sure they said "bent caliper"? I have never heard of a bent caliper before. I have heard of stuck or frozen calipers, and even bent (warped) discs, but never a bent caliper. That's a new one.

-njjoe

My knowledge of cars is very minimal but the guy in the shop said "Bent Caliper" but he also used other phrases including "caliper is stuck on the wheel"... so unless he was just putting things in Layman's terms I have no idea?! But now knowing what a caliper actually is and how thick it is, it does seem near impossible to actually bend it?! I agree!

[pelaochile]

Hi

I have the same problem with my engine, I´m from Chile, I have a Nissan Murano 2006 model with VQ35DE engine.

I have read a lot of posts and information about these problem so I have change the 2 fuel dampers (new, original Nissan part) and also change the six spark plugs one step colder (NGK LFR6AIX-11). First I change the spark plugs, no solution to my problem, then I change the 2 fuel dampers and the engine is still knocking.

I really like the Nissan Murano, but i can´t fix the engine knocking.

About 6 months ago, when the engine was already knocking the first thing I do was advanced timing in 2 degrees, now my engine is supposedly set in 17°, from factory is set at 15°.

One mechanic that work in a Nissan Dealership said my that when they advanced my engine timing 2 degrees, this is only done by the Nissan Consult only for testing, and so my engine is not set at 17°, is still in 15°. (I´m not sure about these information)


The next step I´m going to do is go to a Nissan Dealer and connect the consult, to now what timing is set my engine, if it is 17°, the mechanic is wrong.

I wan´t now retard the engine timing, maybe I´m going to put again in 15° or maybe 14°, to know if these fixes my engine knocking.


Do someone have really fix these problem of engine knocking?

How can I solve these problem?


Waiting for your replys


thanks

[MuranoSV]

If you have a knocking problem, why don't you retard the timing if you can? When you advance the timing, it makes the knocking even worse.

[pelaochile]

Thanks Murano SV for the answer.

This Monday or Thuesday I will go to a Nissan Dealer to connect the Nissan Consult (II or III) to my Murano and set the timing back to 15° (factory setting) o maybe 14°, to test if the knocking problem in my engine disappears.

Originally Posted by MuranoSV

If you have a knocking problem, why don't you retard the timing if you can? When you advance the timing, it makes the knocking even worse.

[slvr le]

Is it possible the knocking you describe could be a leak coming from the exhaust manifold?