Motor is making a clanking noise

My car will still run but it makes an awful clanking noise that gets worse the more it is driven.people say they think I have thrown a rod .I tried changing the oil it still is doing it.what could it be and what needs to be replaced?

My car has 130000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This could be a variety of things. I would recommend changing the oil again, but pay special attention to see if you find any type of metal shavings or debris in the oil. Try dumping it through a mesh screen into another container which should catch anything that should not be coming out of your oil pan. Also, with the hood up and the car running do a visual check to see if you see any pulleys or any other components that appear to be out of adjustment or moving abnormally. Check all gauges to make sure you have normal oil pressure and the temperature is normal. If all of these appear to be normal, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose your problem.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Ford Mustang engine makes a ticking noise are low oil level or pressure, an issue with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue. Oops! We got lost!
When the oil pressure is low or oil level is low, internal engine components that depend on proper lubrication will start to wear metal-to-metal. This can and often does cause the knocking or grinding sound. This is a situation that should be inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
A Rattling Noise from the Engine When Accelerating

Noises coming from the engine when you are pushing on the gas could be caused by a loose or weak timing belt, chain tensioner, cracked flywheel, or a broken flexplate. These issues will only get worse over time, not better.

An engine with low oil or low oil pressure can make a ticking noise due to a lack of lubrication. If you are low on oil, it may indicate either oil consumption or an oil leak, both of which should be addressed as soon as possible.
You may also hear lifters and/or cam bearing noise due to low oil pressure within the engine if the level is low. Engine noise can also occur when the oil is old and has lost its viscosity (ability to lubricate).
Both vehicles with a timing belt or a chain have a tensioning system to keep it snug and centered. If the timing belt or chain tensioner loses its strength, the belt/chain has more movement than it should have. This causes engine clatter when accelerating and the engine clicks as it hits the guides.
A ticking, tapping or clacking from the top of the engine is usually indicative of a potential issue with your engine`s tappets. At first it can seem insignificant in volume, but gradually over time the `rattling` will get louder and indicate an imminent major mechanical issue.
Low Oil Pressure Or Engine Oil Level

On the other hand, using the wrong engine oil or a bad oil pump can also cause a ticking sound. To steer clear of such issues, check your engine oil level and top it off with the right engine oil.

How Can You Quiet Your Car Engine? Once you verify the lifter ticking is not caused by a worn-out lifter or some other damaged part, the best thing to do is change the oil. Get rid of all the oil currently in the engine and flush it out before adding new oil.
Adding more oil will make the noise go away, but it won`t solve the underlying cause of the noisy engine – the oil leak.
The most common cause of engine knocking is low engine oil. You did well by replacing the oil first. Other likely causes of engine knocking are low oil pressure, bearing damage, pistons failing, wrist pins, or engine rods. All of these are rather serious and generally lead to the engine being rebuilt.
An engine knock can usually be attributed to a detonation problem, which is why the knocks shouldn`t be ignored. Bad engine detonation can cause catastrophic engine failure if the problem is left unchecked. Techway Automotive can inspect your engine and find the cause of your engine knock.
A look at the three main signs that you need to fix or change your oil pump: low oil pressure, high engine temperature, and noise. While most drivers may never need to change their oil pump, it is important to know the symptoms in case you are experiencing problems with your vehicle.
The most common cause of engine ticking noise is low oil pressure. This is an indication that vital engine components are not getting adequate lubrication. Your engine may be low on oil or there could be a problem inside the engine causing the low oil pressure.
A ticking sound in your engine while idling can be a concerning item to hear. However, there are plenty of explanations for the strange sound. It could be anything from a loose spark plug to normal wear and tear. Take your vehicle to an expert as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
A ticking lifter is usually an indication there is a problem with your oil, especially as your car ages. It`s possible the lifters themselves are simply worn. If you have a much older car you`ve been driving for a long time, it is more likely this is the problem.
A ticking lifter is usually an indication there is a problem with your oil, especially as your car ages. It`s possible the lifters themselves are simply worn. If you have a much older car you`ve been driving for a long time, it is more likely this is the problem.
Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Car makes grinding noise – 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in. I would have a professional mechanic check out the constant velocity joints on your vehicle. One or more of them may be worn enough to cause the noises you describe. S/he can diagnose and replace any failed CV joints.

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when i turn it make little noise. when press on brake and put on reverse it’s makes weird noise and shakes. thank you
ANSWER : It sounds like you may be dealing with a few issues. I would start by asking if there is a check engine light on? If there is, then getting the engine control module scanned for faults would be the first step to diagnosing the low power issue. As far as the noise over bumps and when turning, there could be a damaged CV joint or axle shaft, or there could be a loose suspension or steering component. Weak motor mounts could cause a weird noise and shake when going into reverse with your foot on the brake, so it’s possible those have failed as well. I would suggest having a qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose the noise over bumps and the noise when put in reverse.

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Car making popping noise when braking.
ANSWER : After seeing the video, you will need to have the lower ball joints and bushings checked to see if one or all need to be replaced. You should also have the exhaust checked to see why the engine is so loud. A professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to thoroughly conduct tests to diagnose your vehicle’s popping noise and make the appropriate repairs.

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car making womp womp noise and pop
ANSWER : A common cause of a noise like that is tire belt (internal) separation, flat spot(s) on tire or other tire defects. If the tires end up being excluded during a diagnostic, the CV axles, wheel bearings, and unfortunately the transmission and clutch have to be considered. The noise on turning is suggestive of a possibly defective outer CV joint but very loose tie rods ends and ball joints can sometimes be implicated. Also, it is possible to have a bad strut bearing, in the strut mount. Keep in mind, a "combination" of faults might be in play here. Your best bet is to request a front end inspection/diagnostic during which the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you insofar as identifying the root cause(s) and estimating the repair for you.

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onfreeway when sudden loss of power,clanking noise from right side bottom of motor, then stopped running-
ANSWER : Hello. From the symptoms you’ve described it’s very possible that you suffered some serious engine failure, probably a bearing failure of some sort. This is not uncommon for an engine with that high of mileage. The engine can probably be replaced, but I would consider replacing the vehicle with a newer model.

If you’d like a second opinion on this, contact a certified mechanic who can diagnose the noise coming from your engine first hand to pinpoint this specific issue.

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Car is making a knocking noise when stopping. Other mechanics say it’s motor. Some say it’s the piston
ANSWER : Unfortunately, there is no way to tell without doing some more testing. The timing and small details about the noises you are hearing may make a huge difference in diagnosing the issue.

Lifters will make more of a "clicking" sound if they are not lubricated or are starting to wear down. These clicks will go away at higher speeds. If you are replacing one, replace all of them. The best way to inspect these is to open up the valves and take a look. This can be time consuming. One of the most common reasons for knock is due to improper combustion. New spark plugs can help tremendously if this is the case. The timing of the spark can also be an issue.

You may want to inspect the spark plugs and distributor as well. They might be the reason the combustion is off time. Engine knock can also be caused by fuel delivery issues, or poor fuel quality. Piston and engine knock will typically sound better as the engine warms up. A compression test can help give you insight to the condition of the pistons. This will take a special set up that plugs into your spark plug socket. If you would like to have this diagnosed, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the noise and advise you on repairs.

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My car makes a really annoying noise and sometimes dies right after
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided your vehicle’s moaning noise and intermittent stalling problem could be any number of things. It could be a failed alternator diode making the moaning noise and affecting the idle.

A failed alternator diode(s) allows voltage to flow both directions or no flow at all resulting in noise heard and erratic electrical operation. It could be a faulty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve can make noise and would account for the erratic idle and sporadic dying. It could be an accessory component, such as an A/C compressor, serpentine belt tensioner, or idler pulley, power steering pump making noise and placing undo load on the engine at idle. If you would like to have this done, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the noise and stalling issue.

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grinding noise while turning right or driving straight
ANSWER : Hello. If the noise is still there when the engine is off and if you are not turning the wheel, then it is typically either a failing bearing in the rear differential or it can be a failure in the transfer case if it is four wheel drive.

The transfer case is a very common failure on this vehicle. If it is two wheel drive then I typically start by draining the oil from the rear differential and inspecting the fluid for metal.

Any metal in the fluid indicates a bearing failure. If that is also fine, then it may be an issue within the transmission. It may be a failure in one of the thrust bearings. If you need to get this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your car’s grinding noise.

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Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.