popping noise on the 2.5s AC?

[nig1]

hmm, seems like an issue w/09 and older models. So far, no problem w/2010's..knock on wood.

[big_rig]

i talked to the nissan service tech and he admitted to me that they have a design flaw in the heat shield on the exhaust which causes a rather noticeable noise when it flexes. he said that it caused no threat to performance or safety and it would pretty much be something i have to deal with, unless it became increasingly louder. kinda weak, if you ask me.

[DiamondWVU]

I used to have this but then a few month ago it kinda just went away. I haven't heard it since. I don't know but not really complaining. It used to happen every time I got outta my car.

[calirican71]

I have mine at the dealer now, it's been there for 5 days with this same complaint. I told the guy it's the heatshield and that their are complaints all over the Internet. They barely heard the noise yesterday, I don't know why that took so long mine is consistent, everytime you drive it and park it or put it in idle it pops. It sounds like a rock hitting an aluminum trash can and it comes from under the car. I've had exhaust tubes replaced and the heatshield tightened and I still have the same problem. Hello Nissan it's a manufacture defect
fix it already. Mine is a 2009 2.5 Coupe.

[QR25DE]

It's not a piston. In Ban Ban's case it would be a knocking noise, not a popping noise..

[Badgirl600]

I have a 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5s and I am having the same issue with the poopping noise. I have taken it in to the dealership and already getting the calls stating, "The popping noise may be a common occurence."
Has anyone tried to pursue any legal action? In VA we have a lemon law that states if the same problem can't be fixed three seperate times, you can file suit against the manufacturer.

[Nighthawkblack]

I had a noise like that for a while when I would back up and then start driving. I thought it was suspension or CVT related. Now I hear it all the time when I brake suddenly before a red light changing after the car sits a second of two. When I shut off the car and it starts cooling within a second or two it makes that metal pop sound. ITS REALLY LOUD if you are outside the car and sounds like a cookie sheet pan cooling when out of the oven. I took it to the dealer under warranty and they couldn’t find anything. now they say they have no record of my complaint other than the seat rocking (which was finally fixed) so I would have to pay to have it fixed. I can’t find a TSB for a heat shield issue but I am going to lift the car this week while it’s on, have someone shut it off while I am underneath so I can see what pops.

If it’s a heat shield it makes sense based on the noise descriptions. If I identify the exact place its coming from and have a fix, I will post again. I’m really annoyed at Nissan dealers and the factory not correcting this. It’s like someone is pulling out a dent and its loud even at lights when I am on the brake it scares me and the people around my car. Not so cool for a nice looking coupe.

[5497]

I think the problem I'm having is the same as what you guys are talking about. Mine is also like a pop sound but I would describe it more like a spring popping or like a "boing" sound. It's loud and scary sometimes. This happens to me usually when the car is stopped after driving.

Since this thread is almost a year old now, any new developments or solutions to this problem?

[battousii1991]

if it sounds like a huge rock hitting the wheel well then yes its done it to me 3 times, but only when im driving. i have the 3.5 SR. shes a year old this month!!

[2010alticoupe]

I think the problem I'm having is the same as what you guys are talking about. Mine is also like a pop sound but I would describe it more like a spring popping or like a "boing" sound. It's loud and scary sometimes. This happens to me usually when the car is stopped after driving.

Since this thread is almost a year old now, any new developments or solutions to this problem?

I just recently heard a noise coming from the rear wheel well. It sounded like a spring booing. Just like you said. It only did it when I drove slowly. At first I thought it was my Coilovers. Until I read your post. Hope is nothing bad

[Caned]

I am having this same popping issue. Is there a solution to this problem?

Thanks

[elgringo]

FIXED!!

Here's how my issue was resolved, short-story version:

First off, it's a design flaw by Nissan. The material in the heat shield which expands and contracts causes that 'pinging' which we are all familiar with.

How nissan fixed it:
They removed the old heat shield and riveted in rubber spacers allowing for better expansion and contraction of the shield. Next, they disconnected the cat from the rubber hanger under the heat shield, allowing it to hang free and allow even more air flow. No worries, the exhaust is still supported by 3 other hangers in addition to 2 cross members.

Now all is well and silent as any other car. Never happier. The fix was free, and if I remember right, the Service guy informed me the fault now fell under their 'recalls'

Good luck to all

[BeaveJones]

Its the alternator bearings. Replaced several on 2.5s and 3.5's.

[cbelschner]

I had that problem too until I replaced my entire exhaust. In my case the cat was actually loose from the factory and the dealership never checked it when I took it in so. So I would start by checking there. When I went to a complete aftermarket exhaust cat and all the problem ceased. Just my thinking on it.