Hi

I'm new so apologies if this is in the wrong place. I have a 2001 Airtrek (2.4 2wd auto) which is a Jap import to New Zealand. There is a rattle in the engine at the drivers side when I put the car in drive/reverse. This stops when moving so only happens when idling. I've found the part that's making the noise, but don't have a clue where to start, so don't want to touch it.

I've taken the car to a few garages and they've told me to use a higher grade fuel and this will stop it and won't look at it (odd as I'm wanting to pay them to do it).

From what I can find online it appears to be the crankshaft rattling. I have pictures - is there a way to load them up?

There is a plug behind the drivers side front wheel, that once removed gives access to a nut/socket. This is the part that rattles (not the nut but the cog it holds).

Does anyone know what this could be or what could solve this? As I said, for some reason garages aren't wanting to look at this, which is surprising as they're pretty common cars over here but it's a noticeable noise the car is making so I want it sorting.

 

Sounds like the engine spun a bearing. Time to look for a replacement.

 

Thanks for that, Sebba. Would this be the case if the knock/rattle stops when revving the engine or driving? You can't hear it when moving or in neutral, only when put into gear and pulling away (up to around 10km/h)

 

It would make sense that the more load you place on the engine, the more the noise can be heard. Take a video of it and I can confirm for sure.

If you want to confirm it yourself, drain the oil and look for metal shavings.

 

Ok Thanks. I'm hoping it isn't, as it's a temporary car that is seeing us through a year in NZ and we're only 7 months in!

I'll try and get a video of it

 

Check the harmonic balancer isn't coming apart too. That may be hitting the block.

 

i had this happen the last owner did not get the crank bolt tight and the crank gear was knocking at idle