Possible causes if the engine clacks or rattles!

Recently updated on January 27, 2022 at 10:34 am

What are the possible causes if the engine clacks, rattles, knocks or rattles? It is also important to observe when the clacking / rattling occurs. This can happen when the vehicle is moving, accelerating, or idling. Knowing a clear cause of exactly when the problem occurs helps the workshop diagnose it more precisely. Kick the clack after actuating the clutch on, it can be seen that the noise is not caused by a defective dual-mass flywheel.

Continue driving with a rattling / clacking engine?

If the engine suddenly clacks, it is important that you go to a repair shop as soon as possible to resolve the problem diagnose allow. This can lead to costly damage engine failure be avoided.

Possible causes:

• Check oil level: The oil level should be checked regularly as it affects the wear and tear on the various components of the vehicle. This can help prevent the problem from occurring. Is the oil level too low, you have the option of refilling the missing amount yourself according to the manufacturer's approved specification. This is a cost-saving process, but if you are unsure and want to be on the safe side, you can have it done in a workshop. This usually costs between 20 and 50 euros. The engine oil diminishes the friction and thus the wear and tear on pistons, valves, shafts and bearings.

• Hydraulic valve valve defective: If hydraulic valve lifters (hydraulic lifters, hydraulic valve lash compensation elements) are defective, they should be replaced, as they compensate for valve lash when they are in working order. In this case, the clacking of the vehicle should be heard from the engine compartment, depending on the nature of the defect, a special one is sometimes sufficient Hydraulic valve tappet additive to use or to change the engine oil. Mechanically defective hydraulic valve lifters must, however, be replaced.

• Timing chain lengthened: In vehicles with a timing chain, the camshaft valve control is usually driven via a timing chain. Wear and tear may cause rattling or rattling when the valve is pressed. This problem occurs, for example, with TSI and TFSI engines from the VAG Group: Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat.

• Loose components: The clacking can also only get through loosely fitting brackets or components caused in the engine compartment. This problem can be resolved by loosening the components or brackets. The cause of the problem can be the engine cover or the heat shield, which can cause a click. Another cause of the click can also be loose cables being. However, these causes can easily be eliminated if they are accessible.

• Valve clearance adjusted: Some vehicles have not yet installed a hydraulic valve tappet. If this is the case, the valve clearance must be adjusted manually at certain intervals. Manual valve clearance adjustment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to two hours.

• Defective oil pump: The oil pump is an integral part of the engine and ensures the continuous flow and pressure of the oil. If it is completely inoperable, engine damage is very likely and can be expensive. But if only the oil pump not working properly or a clogged oil strainer is the problem, then the lack of pressure may cause the motor to chatter. If the control lamp (oil can symbol) lights up in addition to the rattling, a workshop should be visited as soon as possible. If both happen at the same time, to prevent engine damage, turn off the engine and have the car towed to the workshop.

Other causes that can be considered:

These are other possible causes that can cause the rattling / clacking:

1. Another possibility could be the side impact of a piston on the liner, which is called Piston dump truck is known.
2. If instead of a clatter / clatter you hear a "slap", it could be Connecting rod bearing damage .
3. A pair of Defekt The crankshaft / camshaft bearings can be another option.
4. Components of the exhaust systemthat have come loose, which rattle, are also possible.
5. a broken one Catalystwhose cell assembly has broken down into individual parts can also rattle
6. Clacking noises from ancillary units, for example various pumps (water pump, vacuum pump, high pressure fuel pump), can be the problem
7. It could also be possible that your bonnet does not close properly, which is why it rattles while driving.

Can a clattering / clacking engine have an impact on the general inspection?

The rattling often only has an impact on the general inspection of the vehicle, if the emissions test is due to the specific damage failed or when it is unusually loud and booming. Nonetheless, you should identify the cause and correct the problem immediately in order to avoid expensive engine damage.

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