Being subject to constant noise on your vehicle tends to be frustrating, a vehicle is so sophisticated that it is constantly difficult to find its origin and even more so to find the part that generates it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your Dodge Nitro, we will probably be able to help you. Indeed, our editorial staff decided to compose this article in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on Dodge Nitro. This is why, firstly, we will see what are the origins of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the sources of clicking noise on Dodge Nitro coming from your suspensions.
I perceive a clicking noise on Dodge Nitro from my engine
Check your high engine
If you perceive a clicking noise on Dodge Nitro, and this sound is based at the top of the engine, it means that it originates from your cylinder head and its accompanying parts. Two parts can be the triggers of these ticking noises on Dodge Nitro. Either the hydraulic pushers , in most cases it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will find out these clicking noises, often when cold and vanish when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their condition of wear that is at issue. In this situation, remember to change them.
Check your low engine
If you have determined the area of origin of the Dodge Nitro clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the triggers. In both situations, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two repairs are very complex and most mechanics will advise you to change the engine of your Dodge Nitro.
Combustion problem
Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on Dodge Nitro is linked to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible triggers of it. Check the condition of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is possible that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine components to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic cause, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are injured. In this case, do not hesitate to consult this article which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on Dodge Nitro.
I perceive a clicking noise on Dodge Nitro in my direction
Check the condition of the gimbals
One of the most basic causes of a clicking noises in the direction of your Dodge Nitro is linked to the direction of the vehicle. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can create a ticking type of sound when you get closer to the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will damage the cardan shaft very quickly and must be swapped in a short time, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be swapped. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on Dodge Nitro, do not hesitate to read this complete guide.
Check the rest of your direction
Finally, when you find out a clicking noise on your Dodge Nitro, it is possible that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the case, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.
I perceive a clicking noise on Dodge Nitro coming from my suspensions
Check the suspension
If you experience a clicking noise on your Dodge Nitro each time you pass a speed bump, it is extremely possible that your suspension block is the reason of the sound. Indeed, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are outdated, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its task and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To check if this is the issue that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, listen to the sound originating from your front axle when ever you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them soon as this may damage other parts and require more expensive repairs.
Check spring and cylinder
If you are subject to a clicking noise on your Dodge Nitro at the suspension level, it is widely possible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a reason. To check the condition of the spring, place the car on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are equivalent on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also check between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it means that most likely your springs are worn, if you observe a leak go a little further in the article to have the answer to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, ensure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should consider changing it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on Dodge Nitro than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.
