What's wrong with the engine?

[shab_xp]

I have a 96 Camaro RS, V6 3.8 Liter, auto.

The engine is making some slight ticking, kicking noise when the load is low, i.e., the noise is there when I'm driving at a low speed, or the transmission just shifted to a new gear; but the noise is gone, when I'm accelerating heavily (before shifting) or driving fast.

I bring it to TirePlus. They do not know what's wrong. They recommend me to the dealer. But dealership is always too expensive for me.

Thank you for your reply.

[goldz28]

Might be a U joint.
Good luck man and welcome to the forum.

[shab_xp]

Thank you Secretary .

Could you give me more information about the U joint? I'm not familiar with U joint.

Originally Posted by goldz28

Might be a U joint.
Good luck man and welcome to the forum.

[goldz28]

I had the same thing on a 96 chev pu. I am not very mechanically incline but with low rpms that would allow for more slack in the drive line that would cause you kicking or clicking noise. when you get on it would tighten up the slack... But I am not even sure if thats it, so if you can give some better details on what is going on someone will be able to help...

Edit- might be called constant velocity joints also...

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by shab_xp

I have a 96 Camaro RS, V6 3.8 Liter, auto.

The engine is making some slight ticking, kicking noise when the load is low, i.e., the noise is there when I'm driving at a low speed, or the transmission just shifted to a new gear; but the noise is gone, when I'm accelerating heavily (before shifting) or driving fast.

I bring it to TirePlus. They do not know what's wrong. They recommend me to the dealer. But dealership is always too expensive for me.

Thank you for your reply.

Tire Plus? Find a qualified indepedent mech,. have him drive the car, show him the noise, I am sure he will know what it is, no one here can accurately determine the source of a drivetrain noise without on site analysis.

[92zcamaroperson]

werd...

[shab_xp]

I just came back from Pepboys. They said it might be a Catalytic Converter problem. But they do not repair that.

Thanks for your reply. I will keep you updated.

Have a nice day!

[goldz28]

Why did they say it might be a catalytic converter? Does it smell like eggs?

[balls_to_the_wall]

Originally Posted by goldz28

Edit- might be called constant velocity joints also...

They are commonly refered to as CV joints for short.

That dosen't sound like a cat problem to me, they might be just trying to get you to pay the big money to get it replaced.

[goldz28]

Originally Posted by balls_to_the_wall

They are commonly refered to as CV joints for short.

That dosen't sound like a cat problem to me, they might be just trying to get you to pay the big money to get it replaced.

It sounds like a U joint to me, but whatever I am no mechanic or even pretend to be... I would be happy if I am right tho...lol

[shab_xp]

Hi guys,


I have finally fixed the problem. The noise is diagnosed from Transmission by Exhaust Center. AThen it took the mechanic a lot of time to find out that it's actually from the starter, which is located right next to the transmission. After I have the starter changed, the noise is gone forever.

Thanks for your replies. It's always good to have some advice from here.

Originally Posted by goldz28

It sounds like a U joint to me, but whatever I am no mechanic or even pretend to be... I would be happy if I am right tho...lol

[92zcamaroperson]

loose starter motor....yeah that would make some noise...