Rod knock vs flexplate. The truck is a 2004 F150 5.
Rod knock vs flexplate. A rod bearing wouldn't cause that—it would just seize and throw a rod into the wall, which leads me to suspect the flexplate. 4 3v with 178k Dec 27, 2022 · The engine’s flexplate is a critical part to transferring power to your drivetrain. Jun 22, 2020 · One of these is the tapping noise of rod knock. Rod knock produces a deep, rhythmic knocking that varies with engine speed, often louder under load. That might also cause starter issues. **** Given all this, I found your observation that "this knock is located on the left front up close to the head" gives credence to @tpass 's theory that it's cold piston slap. I did rotate both the old flex plate and the new one with some oil in them on the transmission - and the old one, a TCI, made thunks. However, your car engine might experience problems, including a lifter tick and rod knock. Kind of rare but based on the lack of maintenance you describe? Not unusual. So long story short I pulled the trans and the flywheel was cracked all around the bolt holes. The new one, a Hughes was totally Jul 1, 2025 · Learn the difference between flywheel and flexplate. Flywheel knock is usually a metallic clunk near the transmission area during clutch engagement or idle. 4L V-6 engine. I had called my dad and asked him about it and he told me to start putting it in gear and outta gear and listen for noise. Flex plate will sound worse during idle Something rattling around or hitting things will sound mostly all the time. The rod knock is a midrange sound, whereas a main bearing knock is a deeper bass or almost a damped kickdrum-type sound. I swore it was a rod knock and I replaced all the rod and main bearings and then when I started the truck back up I still heard some noise. The problem turned out to be a cracked flex plate Jun 18, 2025 · Mains Rods Rod bearings Pistons Harmonic balancer Flexplate Rod knocking noises, are loudest at higher speeds (over 2500 RPM). Jul 15, 2023 · Rod knock is a deep rapping noise that originates from the engine, often becoming louder as the engine speed increases. The difference in the sounds in a rod knock. Using the correct part is imperative to engine longevity and proper drivetrain assembly. Find out why here. Replaced it along with all of the engine bearings (just because I could) and the noise is gone. Rod Knock will get progressively worse sounding during decel. Does that seem right? Would a torque converter or flex plate knock like a rod bearing? Oct 14, 2014 · When you pull the bad boi, the knock will stop, go away, or get much less pronounced. When your vehicle engine produces unusual sounds, you may not know whether it is a lifter tick or rod knock. Know common problems, replacement costs, and how to choose quality parts. Common causes include insufficient lubrication, engine wear, and poor fuel quality. The truck is a 2004 F150 5. So, feathering the gas pedal, may result in a distinctive back rattle, between 2500 and 3500 RPMs. We will Jun 19, 2007 · Slag Kustom Member from northern new jersey cracked flexplate sounds very close to a rod knock. If enough rod bearing material has been worn away, it may even, double knock. Mar 27, 2015 · We took the truck back to the machine shop and they looked it over and said that it's either the flex plate (bent) or the torque converter. Jul 20, 2025 · So, a loose bolt on a flexplate or a crack between it’s bolt holes, can result in a knocking or rattling sound. During the early stages of wear, connecting rod noise may be confused with piston slap or loose wrist pins. Will you want to guard it in the best way possible? In this article, you will learn how to differentiate the two problems. Connecting rod knock noise increases in volume with engine speed and is at its loudest on deceleration. Apr 24, 2025 · Lifter tick vs rod knock—what's the difference? Learn how to identify these engine noises, their causes, potential damage, and how to fix them. May 9, 2015 · Also a converter can, as I found out last year, knock with a sound like a rod. The following are causes of connecting rod bearing noise: Excessive bearing Sep 6, 2016 · This Video demonstrates the sound, diagnosis and solution to what sounded like a rod knocking on a 1999 Toyota 4Runner with a 3. And, the sound is very similar to a bad connecting rod, and is often misdiagnosed. Jun 27, 2022 · Some people ask what is rod knock and others want to know how long can you drive with a rod knock sound. Sep 22, 2023 · I was watching a Uncle Tony video and he said the way to distinguish between a rod knock or a crack flexplate is to put it in drive and see if the knock goes away. It is simply a knocking noise from the engine and you should not drive it. Then there is always the wrist pin knock. Aug 3, 2023 · As it's hanging there on the engine hoist, they figure out that the flexplate has a full-circle crack just outside the bolt circle where it attaches to the crank. Oct 24, 2008 · My dyno shop sayed they had another low mi L with rod knock too is this a common problem. Sep 28, 2022 · Is it possible the torque converter was not seated in the pump properly and pushed the outside of the flexplate toward the engine when the trans was bolted in. a main bearing knock. But knowing what rod knock is, and how to fix it, can save you a lot of hassles. Jul 14, 2022 · Have you ever heard a strange knocking sound or tick from your vehicle’s engine? The strange sound might be a rod knock or lifter tick in action. May 30, 2023 · Lifter tick and rod knock are two engine noises caused by different issues. Typically a rod will knock louder when the engine is under a load, less at idleuntil it gets pretty bad and the bearing is spit out from under the cap. Identifying Rod Knock vs Flywheel Knock in Engines Engine knocking sounds often confuse users between rod knock and flywheel knock issues. Find out what's causing that unsettling noise! #customerstates A car engine is the heart of your car. As a result, the piston will whack the In this episode I show you how to easily diagnose a Rod Knock vs a Lifter Tick at home in a matter of minutes. I also considered the exhaust manifold gaskets due to potential overheating and wear, but there are no exhaust issues like bad smells, codes, or leaks. 5 engine. I have seen a bunch where motor was pulled for said rod knock and broken flex plate was found. Nov 10, 2023 · Why is Rod Knock Sound at Idle? Learn the top 7 reasons why your engine is knocking when idling and how to diagnose and fix rod knock. After reading all the threads i could find on the above subjects, the closest thing to my problem seems to be flexplate cracking or loose tc bolts. If it is rod knock what is the easyest way to fix it or do i have to pull the whole front end off and pull the motor to rebuild. Comparison Between Lifter Tick And Rod Knock This article is for you if you have trouble differentiating between a tick and a knock. Connecting rod Bearings A damaged or worn connecting rod bearing will produce knock under all speeds. Aug 30, 2020 · They are made by most of the flexplate manufacturers and are made from thicker, more crack-resistant material. Both sounds are not good for your engine and could lead […] Feb 12, 2024 · Similar for a rod knock vs. Rod knock occurs when an engine’s connecting rod contacts another surface while valve covers cause lifter ticks. It’s caused by excessive clearance in the connecting rod bearing, leading to a knocking sound due to the impact of the metal components. Lifters yes. plus, at the end I let you hear what an . May 31, 2019 · A bad push rod you shouldn't have to pull the heads. With the emphasis on CHEAPER/CHEAPER/CHEAPER, the manufacturers have been forced to use thinner, inferior materials to make the stock flexplates from and they crack easily. Explore the debate between flexplate issues and rod knock in the Mazda 2. Welcome to our video, where we aim to debunk the common misconception of a rod knock noise in your vehicle's engine. Contrary to popular belief, what you mig Dec 16, 2005 · I've searched many times for: rod knock, lifter noise, rocker noise, pushrod noise, crank bearing knock, wrist pin knock, piston slap, and flexplate cracking/loose tc bolts. gmed2xkwywrkcei74ohhegkr0ifpfvbvri