Engine knock?

[Guitarz]

Hi, I've got a 00 Alero GLS,3.4. I noticed recently that when I first start it I hear a knock(sounds like top end) ,then after a minute or so it stops, and runs very quiet. Any ideas? I'll probably have more ?s for this car. I've been replacing alot lately. Thanks, Tom

[JTrujillo86]

How loud is the knock? Is it a knock or just a tick? If it's a tick, you probably are getting the infamous lifter ticks, which is normal for the GM 12V pushrods.

Jeremy

[Guitarz]

The knock,or tick isn't extremely loud. You can hear the noise from inside the car. It does kinda sound like a lifter or something from that area. After a minute it's quiet. Thanks, Tom

[jamcllw]

I thought that I had the normal piston slap that occurs on these engines but turns out that my problem was the power steering pump ticking.

[went2dance]

Hi, I too have a 00 Alero GLS,3.4. and noticed the knock and after a minute or so it stops, and runs very quiet. I have 57k miles on it. I took it to the dealer since it's still under warranty & they told me that to GM it is perfectly acceptable to hear a knock for 1 minute and they will do nothing about it if it stops before the 1 minute mark. I was told it was probably a lifter by my "non-warranty work" mechanic.

[JTrujillo86]

I currently have 41K on my 2002 and it does it for about the first minute or so. It was much more pronounced in my Malibu with the 3.1L engine. BTW my Malibu was a 97 with 60K miles on it. It sounded loud all the time though. I would have to agree with the GM people, because my uncles V8 Vortec in his truck does it, my mom's 99 Blazer 4.3 Vortec does it, and so does my grandma's 2003 Blazer...and my grandma's car only has 15K miles on it.

Jeremy

[breddell05]

On my 99 the lifter ticks are very loud. When i first got the car friends would ask me if i had a bomb under the hood. I Wish there was a way to get rid of the damn ticking.

[DamienZ28]

Same thing here... Some times its really loud like its not getting oil and pumping up. Other times its a annoying gm lifter tick! Even before the 3000 miles on a oil change it will tick loud then after a oil change go away... Im wonder what the deal is here...

[JTrujillo86]

They're pushrod engines, though. They're not going to be as quiet as a Honda DOHC. It really doesn't bother me though as long as the engine doesn't seize or the car break down.

Jeremy

[DamienZ28]

As far as pushrod engines go this is by far the loudest i have ever heard! Ive had many 4, 6 and 8 cyl. pushrods never this loud. Oh well its a alero owners thing lol!

[breddell05]

My ticks go away right after an oil change, but their back within 500 to 1000 miles.

[DamienZ28]

HEHHEH I just love my ticking alero! Besides the tick another bearing is going out WOOT!

[breddell05]

Just had to replace both front wheel bearings. An $480.00 early christmas present i bought for myself.

[DamienZ28]

Yeah its really a bummer! Ive already replaced both of mine and now this is a aftermarket one failing.... Who cares about the lifetime warrenty I still have to redo it again sheesh!