2006 Camry - Loud Tapping Noise

Idle is a speed attribute while neutral is a gear attribute. Apples/Oranges. Need more info.

Really need more information. Shifting from neutral to a gear only changes the load difference. It's hard to tell what may be making the tapping sound without more info.

The noise is worse when the car has been running for a while and is hot, as I said before the noise is only present when the car is in drive and idling, for example at a red light. If I shift to neutral while waiting for the light the noise goes away.

Nevermore.....

probably a cracked flywheel if is an automatic transmission......if the motor has been run low on oil....... big trouble.

Two things it could be:

1. A loose or damaged torque converter/flywheel (bad news)

2. A rod knocking (very bad news)

The noise is worse when the car has been running for a while and is hot, as I said before the noise is only present when the car is in drive and idling, for example at a red light. If I shift to neutral while waiting for the light the noise goes away.

It may be best to take it to a certified mechanic. Trying to diagnose a tapping noise without actualling hearing is next to impossible. It could be you are low on oil, a turque converter issue, flywheel issue, or any number of items. Check the easy and obvious items such as the oil level, tranmission fluid level etc...

When in drive, the rpm is lower than neutral.

Oil pressure is lower at lower rpm and may not be high enough to operate the hydralic lifters. The oil is thinner when the engine is warm.

Check the ignition system before you condemn the car.