Is your engine making a clicking noise?
Your car’s engine is very complex. Inside are many moving parts such as shafts, pistons and valves. These parts work together to power your vehicle. With this in mind, it’s not too surprising that your engine creates a bit of noise. When you hear noises that you’re not familiar with, it is easy to be alarmed. However, the problem can often be easily diagnosed and fixed.
You may notice a dashboard warning like this if your oil is running low.
There are several different reasons your engine could be producing a clicking or ticking noise. Below are some of the most common:
- Low oil – If you hear a ticking or clicking noise coming from your engine, the oil levels are one of the first things you should check. When your engine has an insufficient amount of oil, the moving parts inside the engine will not be lubricated properly leading to noisy operation. This is especially true for hydraulic tappets / hydraulic lifters and engine bearings. Low oil should not be neglected, as it can cause expensive engine parts will wear at an accelerated rate. Oil leak repairs in Hamilton
- Engine design – Some engines, particularly Subaru engines, are designed in a way that noticeable clicking noises are produced during standard operation. These clicks are caused by the fuel injectors opening and closing. These clicks will be most noticeable while idling.
- Exhaust manifold leak – As exhaust fumes escape the manifold through a leak, you may hear a loud clicking or ticking noise. Any exhaust leak can be dangerous to you and your families health while driving or when the engine is idling due to the harmful CO and CO2 gases released.
- Worn fuel injectors – Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to your engine at the right time, with the right velocity and pressure, meaning they are exposed to high levels of stress over time. Eventually, they will wear out and when this happens, you may notice clicking noises coming from your engine. These will be most noticeable while idling. If this clicking noise is combined with symptoms of a lean fuel mixture (check engine light, reduced engine performance and hesitation while accelerating), the fuel injectors are probably the culprit.
- Hydraulic valves worn – As your engine runs, the intake and exhaust valves open and close very quickly via a very precisely timed system. Over time, these valves can wear and therefore you will often hear a loud clicking noise coming from the engine.
- Constant Velocity (CV) Joints worn – if you get a loud clicking noise from the front of your car as you turn sharp corners, then it is likely your CV joint(s) are worn. This is most often caused by the CV joint boot splitting open allowing the internal grease to escape and dirt, grit and water to enter the CV joint. When this happens there is no choice but to replace the CV joint.
- Wheel Bearing worn – over time your wheel bearings seals can degrade allowing lubricant to escape and dirt and grit to enter the bearing. This can lead to a squeaking, ticking, clicking noise that changes with vehicle speed.
Clicking noise inspection, diagnostics and replacement in Hamilton
Is your car making loud clicking noises as you drive? If so, we can help you get to the bottom of the issue quickly and cost effectively. At Grimmer Motors, our expert mechanics can quickly find what is causing this noise. We can then provide honest, expert advice, servicing or replacement.
For car services and diagnostics in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!