Ticking pipes

[dwk02020]

We have ticking pipes when the air handler in the attic calls for heat. It has been determined that the ticking is pipe expansion, so I opened a portion of the wall the the ceiling to see if I could locate where the pipes might be rubbing. It seems to me that the issue is the header where the pipes run through the wall to the attic are drilled such that there is space on the left and right of the pipe, but the front and the back are very tight. I can't really get to the back of the pipe due to lack of space, but I'm assuming that b/c the front is so tight. The front is so tight that I can't even get a flat head screw driver down between the wood and the pipe.

My question is does anyone have any suggestions on what should be done for this? The room has crown molding, so I'm hoping I don't have to remove that and open the wall and ceiling to have full access. I'm hopeful there is some solution that I can do with just the 8"x8" spaces I have made in the wall/ceiling.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

 

[phishfood]

I can't think of anything that can be done in such a small area. Expansion loops in the wall might help, but you will need much more of an opening to install those. Relieving where the pipe is contacting the wood might help, but you will need access from the top to do that.