07 camry making tapping noise when driving.

[cyanide07]

I have an 07 camry about 50k miles on it never had any issues with it. I have noticed in the last 2 or 3 days that there is a like a tabbing noise but only when im driving and it speeds up as i do and slows down when i do. I thought it was something on my tire but its pretty noticable if i have the window down. It sounds like metal tapping on metal. I looked under the car with a flashlight and i couldnt see anything that was visibly out of place or hanging or anything. checked the tire still nothing. Does anyone know what this could be?

[Glenn8963]

Originally Posted by cyanide07

I have an 07 camry about 50k miles on it never had any issues with it. I have noticed in the last 2 or 3 days that there is a like a tabbing noise but only when im driving and it speeds up as i do and slows down when i do. I thought it was something on my tire but its pretty noticable if i have the window down. It sounds like metal tapping on metal. I looked under the car with a flashlight and i couldnt see anything that was visibly out of place or hanging or anything. checked the tire still nothing. Does anyone know what this could be?

"tapping noise" usually to me speaks of the valve lifters being starved for oil, or out of adjustment, or defective. first start with the motor oil you use, is it factory recommended viscosity..??? do you change it frequently..??? if you could have a garage check your oil pressure, it might show a weak oil pump, where the oil is not being pumped up quickly enough or not even at all. which would mean your engine is about to either seize up and before that, it'll score up the cylinder walls and wipe out the camshaft. which then you would have a fancy boat anchor.

i do not know the particular valve lifters in your engine. but, if they are "solid" then they need an adjustment. if they are "hydraulic" then one or more can be defective, in which case, you would replace all of them. if it is the wrong motor oil, then use the correct type. improper oil can cause wear on engine parts as you know. but if you ARE USING the wrong motor oil, your engine is damaged.......and you cannot turn back time......

[toan30]

My 2008 Camry XLE V6 emits a most noticeable tapping from the engine after cold startup. It is most prominent when cold after starting and really noticeable when you start to drive off. The noise tapers once the engine comes to temperature but never completely goes away. I left the car over night with Toyota and when I arrived the next day they said they heard nothing. (Wow! What a shock) I then went on a test drive with the Technician and duplicated the noise. They believe its a weak lifter and are waiting for the holidays to pass so they can get Toyota tech support involved to open a ticket. I even made the service manager confirm the noise. I really hope they do the right thing as i really love the car. Any input would be greatly appreciated.