97 Sable clicking noise near transmission

[sallysable]

Please help me identify this noise! I have a clicking/ticking noise that I was told sounds like it's coming from the tranny. The noise is loudest when idle or at a stop. Some days there is no noise at all. The car seems to be running fine otherwise. I had the tranny rebuilt 2 years ago. My fluids are fine and clean. The problem started while the serpentine belt was slipping but I have repaced that and a tension arm. Is the tranny going again?

[Mcloud1]

Does it make this noise only when you press the brake pedal? Because if so, I may know what the problem is.

[Sqrl]

I have a 96 Sable, and it's doing something very similar. I don't notice it while I'm driving, the car runs great, but when I'm at a stop I can hear a clicking or ticking noise at the rear of the engine next to the firewall (what I would call the rear).

It started Saturday, and I drove it on the highway after it started with the windows open, radio off, and could not hear it.

If I'm idling with the car in drive or reverse and holding my foot on the break I hear it, and if I accelerate while holding the brake the ticking seems to speed up.

It concerns me as it's my primary mode of transportation and I can't afford to take it in to a mechanic. I'd like to make it last a little bit longer so I can save my disability $ and get another car.

This forum has been the most helpfull with this car and my older Taurus!
Sorry to piggyback on the original poster, but this issue sounds so very much similar.

[rwilson0659]

Might try checking the CV shafts...causing clicking sound, usually not while in drive unless turning!

[brightjh01]

I just had a problem like that. The dealer said it was a catalytic converter. I when to a local muffler shop who welded the monting hardware back on to the catalytic converter and welded close one crack in pipe near the cat and now it runs great, no noise and about $175 less then a cat would have cost.

[XhaloZ]

Yeah the catalytic converter breaks inside and causes it to make a rattling noise...... try flooring it on the freeway and see if it hesitates in power. Most likely the problem