Specific engine noise means your car could be about to cost you thousands

Owning a car involves a lot of work, but one of the biggest tasks remains keeping the engine in check, and a certain engine noise could mean you’re looking at a serious issue.

We’re not talking a small ticking, or annoying beep either; this noise makes itself known and is loud and clear.

Luckily, there is a solution to stopping it altogether.

The bad news, though, is that it could cost you thousands.

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This engine noise is bad news

Engines are an incredible invention, but like any piece of engineering, things can go wrong, and if your car makes a constant banging and squeaking sound, your wallet could be about to be emptied.

If you’ve not guessed by now, we’re talking about a spun rod bearing, and it turns out that the failure is quite common.

While some reports state that parts can cost as little as $25, when it comes to installation, prices ramp up.

One BMW driver wrote online that with all the parts included, he was quoted $2,000 for a rod bearing replacement – ouch.

The hefty price can occur due to the engine needing to be taken apart, especially if bits of the rod have managed to make their way into the engine itself.

But what actually causes a spun rod bearing?

Well, it’s all to do with oil, or more specifically, a lack of it, which causes high levels of friction, but that’s not the only contributing factor.

It’s important, though, as the oil lubricates the engine components, which reduces friction.

When the reduction of oil happens, things start to worsen, and metal-to-metal contact occurs.

According to Powertrain Products, the rod in the engine is the all-important part that links the piston to the crankshaft.

Then, at the end of the crankshaft, shell bearings are there to protect the rod when the crank moves, but if the shells erode, they can reportedly move or rotate the crank, which damages the engine.

Things can snap and break, causing high levels of damage and even seizing.

The spinning rods then cause the unpleasant knocking sound.

Our advice? If you hear that engine noise, you should visit a trusted mechanic and get a professional opinion, but prepare yourself for a big repair bill.

After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when an engine is involved.

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