You’ve heard the dreaded “knock” on your car. But don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world – in fact, it may last for six months or more. But it can still cause a total breakdown if you keep driving with it. Even a short period of time can blow your engine, leaving you in the middle of nowhere! Rod knock is usually heard when you start the car, during acceleration, and while idling. If you don’t fix the problem before the knocking gets too bad, it could lead to a complete breakdown next time you drive.
Symptoms
When your car makes a knocking noise, it’s probably not a good sign. A loose rod bearing can cause low oil pressure and increased clearance between internal engine parts. Your car’s check engine light may also illuminate. When your car makes this sound, you should contact a mechanic as soon as possible. If you can’t afford to replace the part yourself, you can opt to purchase an aftermarket replacement.
Aside from causing an annoying knock, rod knock can also be a sign that other parts of your car are in trouble. In some cases, a knocking sound can occur as soon as the next stop at your car, while other times, it can occur six months after you first noticed the noise. To avoid an expensive engine breakdown, you should have your car checked by a mechanic right away. It’ll be worth it in the long run if you fix it quickly, and it won’t break your budget.
Causes
If you’ve ever heard a loud, metallic knocking noise while driving, it’s probably due to a faulty rod bearing. This noise is also often accompanied by a low oil pressure warning light. When it starts making noises, it sounds like something is hitting the front of your car, and the knocking will increase as you accelerate. It’s a good idea to check the rod bearing to rule out any other possible causes.
The primary cause of rod bearing noise is excessive wear and tear on the bearing. The crankshaft and connecting rod work in tandem with the bearing, so excessive rpm wears on both of them. Eventually, this can lead to a rod knock. This problem can also lead to other problems inside the engine. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions. Here’s what you can try. You can replace your engine or buy a used one.
Repairs
If your engine is making a knocking noise, the problem is likely the rod bearings. This knocking noise is often accompanied by low oil pressure or an engine light. If left untreated, the problem may progress to more serious problems and require engine replacement. Luckily, a quick repair can solve the problem without digging a hole in your pocket. Here’s how to stop a knocking engine rod.
The noise may be caused by a worn-out or damaged rod bearing. The affected bearings cause a rapping sound, or “knock” as it is also called. The damaged bearings will change the clearance between the connecting rod and the crank. This excessive clearance will result in a knocking noise. To get rid of rod knock, you must take the engine apart. You’ll need a jack and a wrench to perform the repair.
Cost
If you notice knocking in your car, the main cause of it may be your car’s rod bearing. This noise usually increases with the amount of load your vehicle is carrying and when you push down the accelerator. Additionally, your car might have a lower oil pressure, which can also cause the knocking. Most notably, you’ll hear it when you first start your car. If you ignore the problem, you’ll likely end up with a much higher repair bill.
If you are experiencing engine knocking noise, it’s probably time to replace your rod bearings. If you don’t have any experience, you may need the help of a mechanic. If you attempt to do this yourself, you could risk damaging the rod bearing and possibly even causing the engine to overheat and burn. Before beginning the replacement process, remove the oil pan and caps. Once you’re done, check the bearings and the crank journals to determine what’s causing the noise.
