A rod knock is a potentially lethal engine issue that happens when one of the connecting rods that link the piston head to the crankshaft comes into a metal-on-metal encounter. It is a sound produced by the engine that the vehicle owner does not like to hear. The major focus of this article is on the causes, symptoms, and solutions for a rod knock.
What is Rod Knock?
Rod knock is the term used to describe the noise or sound made when there is excessive play or wear between the crankshaft and the connecting rod bearings. This may lead to a tapping or knocking noise emanating from the engine, which may worsen over time if the issue is not fixed on time.
The crankshaft and piston are linked by the connecting rod. Additionally, a bushing (often referred to as a bearing) consisting of softer material than the connecting rod and crankshaft is installed between the crankshaft and the connecting rod.
The connecting rod bearings in the automobile have that much clearance, which results in increased movement.
As the bearings wear out, the clearance between the crankshaft and the connecting rod increases which lead to the tapping or knocking noise that is known as a rod knock.
Rod knock is often characterized by a low-pitched thumping sound that varies with the speed of your car. There is a noticeable increase in the intensity of the sound as you increase your vehicle speed.
On the other side, when you decelerate, the knocking noise gets softer and slower. Even though some drivers believe the sound is coming from a damaged serpentine belt, this is not always the case. The knocking noise typically gets louder and more pronounced as engine RPMs increase or when the engine is under load.
Rod knock is a severe engine problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Driving with a rod knock or damaged bearings may lead to further damage to the connecting rod, crankshaft, and other engine parts which may ultimately result in catastrophic engine failure.
Symptoms of Rod Knock
The rod knock represents damage that may cause your engine failure. When the vehicle has a rod knock issue, it gives one of the below-given symptoms:
- Low oil pressure
- Knocking sounds
- Increased oil consumption
- Poor engine performance
- Metallic particles in the oil
- Engine vibration
1) Knocking Noise
A banging or knocking noise is one of the most typical symptoms of a rod knock. You’ll likely hear a loud bang when you initially start the vehicle.
In addition, it will rise when you increase the load on your car or press the accelerator.
2) Low Oil Pressure
The pressure of the engine oil may immediately drop when wear-and-tear on the bearings, camshaft, and crankshaft begins. You can easily observe it as you initially start the vehicle.
In certain situations, the low oil pressure may cause the check engine light and the oil light to illuminate on your car instrument dashboard, suggesting a problem with the oil pressure. Rod knock is indicated when these lights go off and pressure recovers after some time of idling or operating the vehicle.
In some cases, this issue will trigger the check engine light and the oil light to display on your instrument cluster, indicating there’s an issue with the oil pressure. If these lights go off after a few minutes of idling or running the car and pressure returns, it indicates a rod knock.
Read More: Causes of Check Engine Light Illumination
3) Increased Oil Consumption
As the bearings are worn, the engine oil may leak into the engine cylinder, where it starts to combust. The oil leakage increases the consumption of the oil, and you will need to add the oil more frequently.
4) Poor Engine Performance
Rod knock may lead to a reduction in engine efficiency and power, which you may observe as poor overall performance or sluggish acceleration.
5) Metallic Particles in the Oil
Due to rod knock, small metal particles may get mixed into the engine oil. This can be observed while inspecting or changing the engine oil.
6) Engine Vibration
Your engine may vibrate extensively due to rod knock. You can feel this through your vehicle’s accelerator pedal, steering wheel, or even the vehicle’s body.
Causes of Rod Knock
The engine’s internal components, such as connecting rod bearings, connecting rod, and crankshaft, are the most common source of rod knock.
The following are the significant causes of rod knock:
- Low engine oil
- Bad belt tensioners or pulleys
- Faulty knock sensor
- Lean air-fuel mixture
- Poor engine timing
- Low octane fuel
1) Poor Engine Timing
One of the most prevalent causes of rod knock is inaccurate engine timing. The timing of the spark plug relates to the moment at which it fires. The powertrain control module (PCM) is responsible for determining this time.
Multiple cylinder detonations occur when the spark timing is incorrect, causing the spark to not ignite when it should. As a result, the detonation knock is heard. It’s necessary to fix the timing in order to resolve this.
2) Lean Air-Fuel Mixture
A lean air-fuel mixture is one of the most common causes of a detonation knock. Fuel injector failure, a faulty fuel pump, a bad oxygen sensor, or a damaged mass airflow sensor are all possible causes of this issue.
An engine with a lean mixture has too much air and not enough fuel. Detonations occur because the mixture cannot burn quickly enough when the correct quantity of fuel is not present.
3) Bad Knock Sensor
Another cause of engine noise is a defective knock sensor. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen very frequently in modern vehicles since the PCM controls the fuel injectors, timings, and air-fuel ratio.
The knock sensor notifies the PCM if it senses anything that can cause the knocking noise. This allows for immediate action to be performed. Consequently, the computer won’t know how to fix problems if the car’s knock sensor is malfunctioning, which might allow the engine to knock.
Read More: Bad Knock Sensor Symptoms and Causes
4) Faulty Belt Tensioners/Pulleys
Worn-out pulleys or belt tensioners may also cause rod knock. Similar sounds may also produce when the auxiliary belt is not properly tensioned.
The belt tensioner helps to turn the engine. It is attached to a number of pulleys in the engine compartment and must be pulled exactly properly in order to operate silently and smoothly. The loose belts indicate a problem with the tensioner. However, if one of the pulleys is bent, you may have difficulties.
The clicking, slamming, and rattling sounds that result from this situation might be misinterpreted as an engine knock. You need to change the belt, tensioner, or pulley in order to rectify this.
5) Low Engine Oil
Low or inadequate engine oil is one of the major causes of rod knock.
Over time, the engine’s motor oil reduces its lubricating qualities, viscosity ratings, and density as it passes through the engine. All of these factors contribute to the buildup of sludge and rust inside the engine.
Driving a vehicle with insufficient oil may cause low oil pressure, which will cause the oil not to circulate properly. This might lead to an increase in the amount of wear and tear on the engine.
Read More: How to change engine oil?
6) Low Octane Fuel
There is a distinct resemblance between a detonate and a rod knock. If the engine is functioning properly, the air-fuel combination will ignite in each cylinder in a single explosion. On the other hand, the detonation knock happens when that combination explodes many times at once, producing a banging sound.
Unsuitable octane fuel for the engine is one such factor that contributes to rod knock. A higher-octane rating is required for vehicles with high-performance engines. Using high octane prevents the knocking sound.
To solve this issue, you must use a higher-octane fuel when you refill your vehicle.
How to Check Rod Knock
Follow the below-given steps to diagnose the rod knock:
- Examine the condition and level of the oil
- Drain and examine the engine oil
1) Check the state of the oil and oil level
- Locate and remove the oil dipstick from your engine.
- Wipe it down with a cloth.
- Look at the oil’s color. If the color is murky or dark, you have dirt engine oil.
- To check it again, reinsert the dipstick and take it out.
- Check the condition of your engine oil and the level. Engine knock may also cause due to dirty engine oil, leading to system wear and damage.
2) Drain and Inspect the engine oil
- Keep an oil collecting pan nearby to prevent contaminating the garage.
- Look at your engine oil tank cap before emptying it to find out what kind of oil viscosity your engine requires. This is critical so that you don’t replace the old oil with the improper kind of oil.
- Before removing the old oil, get a clear container to hold one cup of oil so you may inspect it more closely. Drain the remainder of the oil after withdrawing the sample for closer examination.
- Metal shavings in the engine oil are a sign that the engine’s components are started to wear out. The knocking noise may also cause due to metal particles from the connecting rod, the crank bearings, the crankshaft, or other internal engine components.
- Failure to replace the oil on a regular basis may reduce the oil quality and corrode the brass coatings on the bearing. Those bearings away from the oil pump are the most likely to suffer from this problem since they get less oil flow than those near the pump.
- The color of the oil should also be checked. If the oil color is converted into a dark brown color, it’s time to get a new one. The oil should also be replaced if it is too light.
- If you want to know how to increase the life of your engine with rod knock, it’s rather easy. Ensure that you replace your oil at the correct intervals.
How to fix a rod knock
A rod knock signals something wrong with the engine’s internal components.
Follow the below-given methods to fix a rod knock:
- Perform an Oil Change service
- Remove the crankcase to examine the cod rod bearing
- Fill your fuel tank with fuel injection cleaner
Step 1) Perform an Oil Change Service
Lift your car and insert a catch pan underneath the drain plug. Grab a big socket and a big wrench. Drain the oil from the crankshaft by loosening the drain plug.
Reinstall the drain plug (also known as a sump bolt) and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Using an oil filter wrench, unscrew the oil filter by grasping it and rotating it clockwise. Install a new oil filter and tighten it up to the appropriate torque levels. Change the lubricant in the engine with one of the same apparent viscosity or the oil that is advised.
Your engine may need more or less oil than you think, so keep an eye on it when refilling. Four-cylinder engines normally need 4-5 quarts of oil to operate.
Step 2) Remove the crankcase to examine the cod rod bearing
Knocking noises might be caused by a loose connecting rod cover. With the lid on, check and re-torque the bolts holding the con rod in place. A rod bearing inspection or replacement may be necessary.
Step 3) Fill your fuel tank with fuel injection cleaner
It is possible that dirt and grime from the gas station may end up in your gas tank when you replenish it. Fuel pumps carry dirt and dust with them as they provide gas to the engine, causing the engine to vibrate and shake.
The rod knock may be resolved by cleaning the fuel injection system of any dirt or grime. Using a fuel injection cleaner on a carburetor-equipped vehicle is not recommended. Get a carburetor cleaner and sprinkle it in there.
Rod Knock Repair Cost
The repair cost of the rod knock varies according to the repair type and type of the car. The average repair cost of the rod knock is from $1800 to $3200. Usually, the job consists of replacing the cooler lines, cylinder head bolts, connecting rod bearings, gaskets, and seals, and flushing out the engine.
FAQ Section
What is Rock Knock?
Rod knock is the term used to describe the noise or sound made when there is excessive play or wear between the crankshaft and the connecting rod bearings and.
What is spun bearing?
The term spun bearing describes the results of unfortunate issues occurring in the cylinder bore of an engine. This refers to the condition that occurs in an engine when there is an inadequate amount of lubrication, and the crankshaft spins with the bearing rather than revolving within the bearing. The spun bearing is frequently caused by connecting rods or nuts loosening as a result of poor bolt tightening during an engine repair.
Is it worth fixing rod knock?
Rod knock is a major problem with your engine since it indicates that the engine is not working correctly. If you begin to experience knock, the issue won’t go away on its own. Replace the rod bearing as soon as possible and fix any other components that are contributing to the noise.
Is rod knock serious?
The internal engine’s moving elements are the source of rod knock. Once that happens, you’ll notice low oil pressure, knocking or banging noises, and the check engine light illumination on your vehicle dashboard. The engine will be severely damaged if you don’t find the source of the problem and repair it quickly.
Can I Drive a Car with a Rod Knock Sound?
Driving with rod knock may lead to further damage to the engine, potentially leading to complete failure of the engine. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive with rod knock.
Can an oil change fix rod knock?
Low oil pressure may cause an engine noise that is similar to splattering, tickling, or ticking. This sound may be eliminated by adding or changing the oil in the valves or lifters. However, if a rod knock causes the noise, an oil change will not fix it.
What are the signs of Rod Knock?
- Low oil pressure
- Knocking sounds
- Increased oil consumption
- Poor engine performance
- Metallic particles in the oil
- Engine vibration
What are the causes of rod knock?
- Insufficient engine oil
- Bad belt tensioners
- Faulty knock sensor
- Lean air-fuel mixture
- Poor engine timing
- Low Octane fuel
How bad is rod knock
Rod knock is a serious engine issue that may lead to the complete failure of your engine if not fixed on time. This issue indicates damage or excessive wear to the connecting rod bearings, which may lead to further damage to the crankshaft and other moving parts.
Does rod knock go away with rpm?
No, rod knock usually doesn’t go away with RPM. However, the tapping or knocking noise produced due to rod knock normally becomes louder and more pronounced as you increase the RPMs of your engine.
How can rod knock be prevented?
Regular maintenance, such as connecting rod bearings inspection, engine oil replacement, and timely oil changes with the correct oil grade and viscosity, may play a role to prevent rod knock. The proper supply of engine oil ensures proper lubrication of the connecting rod bearings and minimizes wear.