hayawan408

Hey guys, I’ve recently been experiencing this problem with my 04 SC. I’ve noticed that between 35-45 mph and under acceleration, there’s a strange clacking noise coming from the car, I’m not sure if it’s from the engine or bottom of the car. I’ve supplied a video, but you’ll have to listen closely to hear it. This noise only happens when in drive. With the windows down it’s much louder. If it’s in park or neutral and I rev it it won’t do it. I don’t have any loss of power, lights, etc. Anyone have an idea what it might be? Thanks!

Bgw70

I heard a noise but the video was so short I have no idea what it could be…
does it continue at that speed?
can you slow down and speed up reproducing the sound?

hayawan408

yes it continues for a couple seconds then goes away. I can slow down and speed up to repeat the noise. Also the noise only happens when the car is warmed up.

DshngDaryl

You definitely have better ears than me

Raven01750

Well. I believe I can hear it. You state that it is NOT RPM specific (you cant reproduce the sound in park) because the noise only happens while in drive, BUT is speed specific.
I would recommend you get her up on stands, put her in drive and see if you can recreate the sound that way. You have no check engine light. Thats always a plus. No complaints on how she is running. Just an annoying sound that may or may not be "something ". Its always a relief to find out whatever it is.

Paul

Bgw70

not sure it matters but I could see enough of your speedometer to see 50kph, which is about 31mph
is that correct?
I am trying to break down a possible cause.
31mph may be a shift point, does the transmission shift when the noise is made?
can you manually shift down and start out in second gear, accelerating to 35mph, does it make a noise?

BTW, how many miles and what does the transmission fluid look like, has it ever been changed?

i wonder if it could be a motor mount…an item that will eventually go bad on all 2002-2005s

Stuckn60s

Possible it could be a driveshaft universal joint?

bmanone

My 2002 has a similar ticking noise, but higher pitched almost like a very light pinging sound from low octane gas. Running premium gas does not change the sound, but does get ~2 mpg better fuel economy Mine happens under medium to hard acceleration from 20 - 60 mph (probably happens at all speeds while accelerating but can't be heard after 60 mph due to the louder ambient noise at those speeds. The noise is not as loud from the passengers seat and is usually not noticed. Also, I've never heard it while driving with the top down or from the engine bay at a stop. My son thinks it could a noisy injector or one of the solenoids use in the VVT system under load, it doesn't seem to be related to transmission shifts.

Wilson2000

It sounds like sheet metal that is cracked or broken. Check out your exhaust system heat shields, cross members and bracing for cracks/breaks. It sounds structural, not engine related, to me.

Raven01750

AHHHH! Good description. Check your brake dust shields. I have one on the front right that is cracked but it inly makes noise over bumps so I have grown used to it.

Paul