Tapping Noise in engine bay?

Our 2013 Cx-5 Touring has 25,000 miles. One MAF sensor failed and dealer replaced before out of warranty.
Lately, I heard a very weird tapping noise that sounds like a loosen hardness hitting metal sound from the front lower part of engine. I cannot really duplicate the noise other than it seems very obvious on slightly uneven road surface at 20-50 mpg.

It doesn't make the noise when start up, idling, hitting bumps, under hard acceleration and steering to both end at stationary.
It may still make the noise during freeway speed but the noise is not loud enough to be notice.

I tried to check every headlight foglight hardness and zipped tie them to secure, that tapping noise still occurs.
I removed the bumper and drove it around, that tapping noise still occurs.
I opened up and removed glove box compartment, removed cabin filters and drove around, that tapping noise still occurs.

My car just finished 3 years warranty and I am afraid dealer will charge me 8 hours of labor to check it and come back found nothing wrong.

I am not crazy about little rattle here and there in general, but this tapping noise is very obvious and I ran out of ideas, hopefully you guys can give me more thoughts where to look for.

Any suggestions are really appreciated.

It sounds as if you have tried lots of things, but it is very difficult to help over the internet on things like this.

I would try to isolate the sound further and see where it is coming from. Perhaps someone else can drive while you inspect?

Old School method - A hose and a funnel connected together can really help. Hose end to listen to, and other end connected to funnel, the funnel end is the listening device.

New school method - A cellphone recording audio/video, attach phone in different locations to see if you can catch the sound you are hearing.


There were some TSB's where there was a cowl/dash and windshield to dash noises, and if I recall the noise was a clicking, or ticking sound.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mevgT9QW57Y

Here is link to list of TSB http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123828184-SkyActive-TSBs-(Technical-Service-Bulletins)-for-CX-5-2013-Mazda3-amp-2014-Mazda6

If you end up taking it to a shop, since you're out of warranty you should strongly consider a good independent garage rather than the dealer since they will usually cost less. Talk to friends for recommendations, look on Angie's list if you're a member, check BBB ratings, etc. A GOOD, reputable shop will have mechanics just as qualified as the dealer, will have access to the same technical info, etc.

mazdadude said:

Old School method - A hose and a funnel connected together can really help. Hose end to listen to, and other end connected to funnel, the funnel end is the listening device.

New school method - A cellphone recording audio/video, attach phone in different locations to see if you can catch the sound you are hearing.

Click to expand...

Super awesome, new school method:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/ShopCart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_WTD055_pg1.htm

Note: I have not tried this particular device and am not recommending it over other possible products of the same type. But the theory is sound and it should help locate the offending part quickly.

MikeM. said:

Super awesome, new school method:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/ShopCart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_WTD055_pg1.htm

Note: I have not tried this particular device and am not recommending it over other possible products of the same type. But the theory is sound and it should help locate the offending part quickly.

Click to expand...

Ha ha ha! Yes, the chassis ear is an awesome tool. I never used one, but I used to sell them on the MAC Tools truck!.

However, I was trying to give some cheap / free methods!

ha ha