Every time you turn on your car, you hear a loud knocking type sound coming from the engine. As you pull out of your driveway, you notice the volume and speed of the knocking. That can’t be good. So you pull over and Google “knocking sound.” Of course, the Internet gives you a list of frightening and costly explanations for that knocking sound, but at the top of the list is a knocking rod.
A knocking rod occurs due to severe failure of one or more crankshaft connecting rod bearings. Oil in the engine creates an oil film between the bearings that prevents them from touching. If your car runs out of oil or if the space between the bearings gets too big from wear and/or deformation, the metal pieces will start to rub or “knock” against each other, which results in the sound you hear.
Dealing with a knocking rod requires some considerable engine repair in Conway, AR. It involves removing the engine and disassembling it, which is extremely expensive, typically anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. So how can you be sure that the knocking sound you hear is actually a knocking rod and not something else? Let’s find out.
Does the sound get better after the car has warmed up?
If the knocking sound lessens or goes away completely as the engine warms up, it is probably not a knocking rod and is more likely an exhaust leak or some other sort of problem. The opposite situation, where the noise doesn’t start until after your engine warms up, can also mean an exhaust problem. A sound cause by a knocking rod will start as soon as you turn on your engine and will actually get worse as the engine heats up.
Does the knocking stay the same?
If you have a knocking rod, the problem and sound will only get worse over time as you use your vehicle. If the sound stays the same, your problem may be a lifter or cam noise rather than a knocking rod.
What did you do when the noise started?
Fortunately, a knocking rod is a very uncommon problem. While a knocking rod can occur on older cars with a lot of miles, this is typically unusual if the car is being properly maintained. A knocking rod is even less common in a newer car with low mileage, unless something was done to the car to cause the knocking rod to occur.
Revving your engine at very high speeds or allowing your engine to run out of oil are typical circumstances behind a knocking rod. While it is possible to spontaneously spin the bearing, this is very uncommon.
If you are afraid you have a knocking rod problem, it’s important to bring your vehicle in for repair as soon as possible. A knocking rod will only worsen over time. For repairs like this and any other engine repairs, be sure to bring your vehicle to Riverdale Automotive, your expert source for engine repair in Conway, AR.