QuestionI have a 2006 Elantra with 116K mi. From time to time over the past 2 1/2 years, the engine has been making a "clicking" sound that comes and goes. The noise sounds like a cross between the ticking sound when oil is low and the "Wheel of Fortune" wheel spinning. The noise is loud to the point of embarrassing. If the noise starts while I'm driving, when I begin slowing to stop and the RPMs reach 1000, the noise will stop right then at that point. But it will start back up when I take off again.
I've replaced about everything I could think of and nothing seems to stop the noise. Like I said, this is something that has happened over and over, off and on for the past 2 1/2 years. I'm pretty tired of it. Any ideas?
AnswerThis type of noise could be coming from just about anything driven by the engine (flex plate, power steering pump, water pump, a/c compressor, alternator, etc.) One thing we should be able to rule out is the valve lifters; your car is equipped with solid (not self-adjusting hydraulic) valve lifters, so any noise should remain regardless of engine rpm. It could also be caused by a bent exhaust system vibrating against the body or chassis of the car.
I'm going to suggest, however, that the noise may not be engine-driven at all. Based on your description, it sounds like the noise occurs only when the vehicle is moving. This suggests that it may be linked to the transmission, axles, or wheels.
Can you determine whether the frequency of the noise correlates to engine rpm or vehicle speed? If it does, this may help narrow the potential causes.
Ultimately, it's unlikely I (or anyone else) will be able to give you a definitive answer without actually inspecting the vehicle. The best diagnostic tool in such a situation is to actually hear the noise and follow it until you reach its source.
