Being subject to frequent noise on your automobile tends to be frustrating, a automobile is so sophisticated that it is generally difficult to determine its origin and even more so to find the part that generates it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your Nissan Xterra, we will most likely be able to support you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to create this document in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on Nissan Xterra. This is why, firstly, we will check out what are the causes 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 Nissan Xterra coming from your suspensions.clicking-noise-nissan-xterra

I hear a clicking noise on Nissan Xterra from my engine

Check your high engine

If you hear a clicking noise on Nissan Xterra, and this noise is based at the top of the engine, it means that it originates from your cylinder head and its accompanying parts. Two elements can be the causes of these ticking noises on Nissan Xterra. Either the hydraulic pushers , generally 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 state of wear that is at issue. In this circumstance, remember to change them.

Check your low engine

If you have determined the zone of origin of the Nissan Xterra clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the causes. In both cases, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two repairs are very complex and most mechanics will recommend you to change the engine of your Nissan Xterra.

Combustion problem

Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on Nissan Xterra is connected to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible origins of it. Check the state 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 reason, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are damaged. In this circumstance, do not hesitate to consult this document which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on Nissan Xterra.

I hear a clicking noise on Nissan Xterra in my direction

Check the state of the gimbals

One of the most regular triggers of a clicking noises in the direction of your Nissan Xterra is related to the direction of the automobile. 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 approach the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will affect the cardan shaft very quickly and must be replaced very quickly, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be replaced. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on Nissan Xterra, do not hesitate to consult this complete guide.

Check the rest of your direction

Finally, when you detect a clicking noise on your Nissan Xterra, 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 circumstance, 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 hear a clicking noise on Nissan Xterra coming from my suspensions

Check the suspension

If you experience a clicking noise on your Nissan Xterra once you pass a speed bump, it is highly possible that your suspension block is the induce of the noise. In fact, 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 verify if this is the problem that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, pay attention to the noise originating from your front axle when ever you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them promptly as this may damage other parts and require more expensive repairs.

Check spring and cylinder

If you hear a clicking noise on your Nissan Xterra at the suspension level, it is widely possible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a cause. To verify the state of the spring, position the vehicle on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are identical on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also verify between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it suggests that that most likely your springs are worn, if you see a leak go a little further in the article to have the solution 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 think about replacing it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on Nissan Xterra than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.