Thread: Clicking/clacking noise in the Engine

I was reading some more about possible problems, and I came across the possibility that it is a spun bearing. After watching some videos of people who have this problem and reading descriptions, I starting to think that's what it is.

So, all of you Grand Prix experts, does this sound like it could be a spun bearing? Pontiac Grand Prix Noise - YouTube
If it is, I'm leaning towards driving the car gently until it dies. Any input on whether or not that's a good decision?

Blairj

Originally Posted by penright

Here is my 02. 20130613_061834_zps9adfaa0b.mp4 Video by penright | Photobucket
Do you think they sound the same? Was yours like that with the valve covers on?

I am thinking piston slap. I would think a rod would be more hollow, but the last spun rod bearing I messed with was a 454 olds Cutlass and my hearing was a lot better then (younger). But the rhythm of both of ours seem to be fast, like valve train. My first thought was lifter, but now you that you tried lifters on yours. How many miles (sorry if I missed it somewhere)? Mine is 240,000

My car only has 112000 miles on it and sounds the same with and without the valve cover on. Other than the whining noise in your video, your car sounds exactly like my car. After reading about piston slap and listening to various examples on the internet, I'm still inclined to think that my problem is a spun rod bearing. The noise in my car doesn't change with temperature and came on suddenly (I would think that piston slap would develop slowly over time).

Whether it is a spun bearing causing rod knock or piston slap is kind of a moot point, though, since i'm not really willing to rebuild the engine. I'll probably just keep driving it, keeping the rpms low, and hope it holds out until I have the cash for a new car.