Please help, dealer telling me problems are "normal" - Altima Forums.net - The Nissan Altima Enthusiast Talk and Discussion Forums

JRobertson · 07-15-2011

I have a 2007 Altima 3.5 SE 6-speed manual. Recently I have noticed that there is a hissing noise (almost like a short air burst noise) occurring when I go over a speed bump or any sort of bump on the road and my dealer told me that was normal; is this true? Has anyone else experienced this?

Also, I have noticed a slight engine ticking that is audibly present when accelerating (even when idling, just less noticible) and the dealer (which is a certified Nissan dealership) said that this is also a "normal" noise and it's just what Nissans do. If anyone else has had this issue and knows what the resolution is or what part is to blame, please inform me.

The deal is, I have the best warranty possible and I think the dealer just does not want to repair it for free unless it's something that will cause mechanical failure. I believe that these issues are most certainly NOT normal. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Altima Forums

eleg05ance · 07-15-2011

The hissing might just be when the shock decompresses. The engine noise might be an exhaust leak. Is it comin from the engine bay? Or from underneath your feet?

MrHiggles · 07-15-2011

I have a hiss when I go over bumps, its normal. The ticking...well I have that too. Its coming from the engine. No problems tho, even when I had my oil changed with Nissan, they didnt say anything on it and I dont have a warranty.

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-15-2011

I don't think the dealer, in this case anyway, is jerking you around. Both items you have described sound perfectly normal. Strut compression will make a 'hiss' sound and the ticking is most likely valve train noise. If you experience driveability issues then it's time to take it in and ask for something to be done.

JRobertson · 07-15-2011

@eleg05ance The ticking is definitely coming from the engine department. Thanks for the replies, any help is much obliged.

@mikejamesbyma Is valve train noise a normal thing though? I'm pretty sure valve ticking isn't a good thing however this is why I am here, to find out.

Thanks

**mikejamesbyma** · 07-15-2011

I've come to terms with the noise my car makes. Some days it sounds like a diesel, honestly.

Penguinchit · 07-15-2011

Valve ticking is normal. Some engines just make it easily more noticeable. When my engine is cold, it sounds like MikeJone's diesel. After it warms up, it's less noticeable.