Loud Click/Clank/thunk Sound from under hood passenger side on 07

[olp0a6]

I have noticed a strange noise coming from under my hood. The noise only happens when I have been driving for a while on the highway and then I come off the highway to a red light or have to sit in traffic and even sometimes after I have parked my car and exited the vehicle. The best way to describe it is as a single clicking sound, "CLICK" or a "CLANK" or "THUNK" The noise definitely comes from under the hood on the passenger side.

Yesterday I was driving on the Pacific Coast Highway, we pulled over to sight see. And while the vehicle state there for five minutes--it clicked about four times. It clicks about once every 30 seconds. If I have just been driving for about 20 minutes on the freeway, it might click once total after I park the car or not at all.

What could this be? I appreciate any suggestions you may have. Also, I am not a "car person" so please explain in novice terms.

Owen Pillion

[generic808]

How long have you had your car and how many miles do you have on it? I only ask because I had the same thing happen to me when I first got my car. It would make a loud "thunk" sound every so often out of nowhere. Especially when I would park the car and push the P-brake in. The only thing I could think of was the suspension settling in. It went away after 2 months or so. I wouldn't really worry about it, but I know your concern. Just drive it for a while and I'm sure it'll go away.

BTW, it's not the ABS click when starting out like some may suggest. Trust me, it's not. All of my recent Nissan's made that ABS sound which I'm very familiar with, but the thunking sound you're talking about is not related. And it's not coming from the engine bay, it's from underneath the car. That's why I'm pretty sure it's the suspension. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Just let the car break-in some more.

[olp0a6]

It has 20000 miles on it. I have had it for about 3 months.

[generic808]

20,000!!! In 3 months?!! So you're driving almost 7000 miles a month? I hope that was a typo? I'm assuming you meant 2000. If so, I wouldn't worry because it is still pretty new.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

If thats NOT a typo I'd be very surprised. Thats a hell of a lot of miles.

[olp0a6]

I bought it used in August. It had 15,500. It had been a rental car. I drove it from Texas to California. I drive it to and from work every day. I have taken it on several short road trips. It has right at 20000 miles on it.

Any ideas on the clanking???

Thanks again,

Owen Pillion

[generic808]

Like I said earlier, I wouldn't really worry about it because I experienced the same thing. It still happens on rare ocassion.