Knocking engine noise... flex plate or engine ? 

**Want to own the tools I use ?? Click on the amazon link below to get my top 5 Tools I use** Automotive Test Light- amzn.to/3z1Pdxa Flexible Backprobe- amzn.to/3Pyr3zO Multimeter- amzn.to/3PbuT23 OBD Scan Tool- amzn.to/3zaNWnq Wire Piercing Probe- amzn.to/3OecWhT

It's amazing to see there are still amazing honest mechanics out there. I'm trying to figure out my 2000 cadillac esclade 5.7 v8, 4x4 noise. Doesn't knock in idle, only in dive after 15 mph. Seen 2 mechanic come out an payed them both for looking into it. One said needs a new motor @ $2816😢, other said need new tyranny@ $1700*. I'm a single mom going through colleges. My esclade been parked for almost 6 months now. Ugh. Trying to find an honest mechanic around my parts is tuff.

If you feel like this video helped out, feel free to support the channel by donating. Just one click away on the link below, to help support the channel :) www.paypal.me/ozmechanics

I absolutely loved your straight forward and honest attitude towards us viewers that are learning. Most of us anyhow. You’re a good man and a good mechanic keep it up. I sub’d.

Great info. I once saw a loose bolt on a flex plate come loose. Sounded like the engine was about to grenade.

First of all thank you so much for posting this video, I’m having the exact same noise coming from my 2010 Cadillac Escalade. The first thing I thought was the worst rods bearings lifters, but it’s the flywheel and you are a very honest mechanic I wish you lived around me I would bring my truck to you to get it fixed

Exact same thing happened to my 86 c10, paying 1017$ for the repair on Thursday but now I don’t feel as stressed paying that now that I know exactly what it is because you explained it really well. Thanks boss

Thank you Oz for being an HONEST mechanic.

I have no doubt there is a problem with the flex plate in my 2005 suburban. Your video made me even more certain than I already was. It has 311,000 miles on it so I certainly can’t complain. Getting it in tomorrow morning. Thanks for the great info.

Hi Oz, I'm having similar noise, rattle in the torque converter area and this has really brought me down. There's a long story behind this truck but I just wanted to say thanks for your video. I will check the flex plate bolts and go from there but your customer care has left me something along the lines of being rest assured. Peace

You seem like a great mechanic thanks bud. You do not rip people off sounds like. Keep up the good work.

thank you you helped me tremendously on my job on my motor I am currently working on a 350 Chevrolet one mechanic tried to tell me that my motor was bad turns out it is the flexplate bad so what you're saying about the motor is very true I really appreciate an honest mechanic as yourself thank you thank you stay blessed

Hi. I've got a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, 164,000 miles, 3.3L V6, 5 speed automatic transmission. When it's first started it knocks or rattles for 3 seconds. Then it stops. Once warm it will only do the startup rattle about 50% of the time. Exact same noise returns from about 1,800 to 3,200 RPM and then stops. If I'm going up a hill it won't do it 50% of the time unless I press the gas pedal and cause RPMs to sharply raise. The main bearings and rod bearings were changed. Looked good. No rod or crank shaft slop was noted. Oil/filter is new and full. Same with transmission fluid. I've narrowed it down to 4 things based on its part time occurrence: 1. Flex plate? 2. Timing belt tensioner failing (unknown when last changed)? 3. Torque converter? 4. Hydraulic lifters? I have two short videos I recorded it and can share. Thanks!

Many years ago i was in a bad motorcycle accident and shattered my ankle,while recuperating, my little sports car and my only ride at the time started to make this loud ticking sound coming from the bottom of the car, i was like "shit i dont need another problem right now" and i took it to a couple of places and they told me it was a cracked flexplate, not very happy with the news i started doing my own research, turned out the bendix in the starter because it was old and worn was not retracting properly and it would stay out hitting the flexplate ever so slightly,picked up a new starter and got under that car, crutches and all and got that problem fixed,still good to this day.

older person told me one time that you should always ask for old parts when mechanic do something, guess that nothing new. People been swindling for free money for a long time.

I don’t know why but you seem like a genuine mechanic, I’m subbed

My clicking/thumping sounds only comes as i come to a stop at a red light.when i go to take off,the noise starts to go away as i hit 10-20 rpms.could this be a bad flex plate?

Good Video! Did the noise get worse as the Engine / Torque converter got hotter or was the noise less Cold? Did the noise get less with more RPM's? Thanks in advance!

Yes I suppose that random misfires may also occur, because the crank reluctor windows are part of the flex-plate right?

Ozz I have the similar thing going on on my 97 dodge cummins automatic and we checked TC and flex plate and checked out good and I can only notice it when I’m at a stop in park but if I go in front of engine it’s quite and I can clearly hear it from bell housing area I’m not sure if it’s normal or what but it drives fine starts fine no smoke and gears work fine also.. I’ve just been ignoring it but afraid to be left stranded sometime

Wish you had a video of the noise before you took it apart. I have a video of how mine sounds but have not looked into how to upload it

Thx 4 ur videos UR a true mechanic & human being as in the automotive industry thank you God bless you!!! I’m also a pretty good Mechanic & good mechanical knowledge 4 over 45yrs!! I learn a lot from my Dad & on my own & with a lot of friends which R gone now! Very Sad😢! But I was a big trk drvr (OTR) but I’m retired now! Sometimes the road still calls ☎️ me now & then! Lol 😂

I was hoping to hear the noise this one was making. Got our transmission replaced within 2 months the flex plate was damaged had to be replaced and now 5 months later hearing some clicking noise took it in and they couldn’t find it… so I’m wondering if it is the flex plate again.

You can get two long bolts and just slide the transmission back to replace the flex plate. I use two 8 inch.

I appreciate your honesty men, really that helps a lot with what could cause the noise I've got on my 14' Jeep wrangler

Do you think this could be my problem the noise only happens sometimes at idle but it leaks transmission oil and sounds like the flywheel?

Are in san antonio?? Sounds like a honest mechanic.

'65 Jaguar 3.8 liter XK engine, automatic trnsmission; Idles fine, but when I step on the gas makes clacking noise which I thought are the crankshaft bearings. Talked to experienced Jaguar mechanic this morning, he says it must be the flex plate, instructed me to inspect flex plate, which I am going to do. Your diagnosis and terminology is on the money. Thank you. However, removing the tranny ( BW DG250 ) if indeed I find damage in the flex plate, is beyond my ability.

I appreciate your honesty; you just saved me from spending 1000 dollars! my torque converter bolts backed out a little and were causing chattering.

Thank you... I'm watching this in 2021 and it helped me with my truck ❤️

This makes a lot of sense. I have a 99 Durango that knocks, and i originally thought it was the crank bearings so i thought i would just drive it until i blew up the engine. But after 2 years of driving it, it just won't die.

dude this video helped so so much,🌊but I'm left in questions, because I'm new to a lot ,ive worked on manual transmissions of my own and the -flywheel- moves exactly in time when I rotate the 'crank pulley' by hand/ratchet,,my question is,.. do automatic transmission -flex plate-'s rotate or are supposed to rotate in the exact time as the engine crank pulley is rotated by hand ? ,,my situation is ::'automatic transmission nissan versa 2014 engine doesn't rotate any longer when I turn the starter motor on,which it is bolted on correctly,I removed the starter to test it for tooth burning or break and it looks fine,'bench test' the starter turns on and ejects out correctly as it should☑,so I moved to reviewing the crank pulley and flex plate simultaneous rotation and I'm sad to see the crank pulley turns nicely with no unusual blocking or hesitation,but the -flex plate-doesn't follow with the crank pulleys rotation everytime,,sadly this had all began because with the 2014 nissan versa alternator completely shutting off during driving twice,I was afraid that because this is interference engine the nissan'hr16de' that maybe the valves touched pistons and worse things but I'm rotating the engine by hand and I don't hear and bad noise or coming from the engine,I have the new alternator now and hope the car turns on,but if the engine didn't rotate with just the starters electric cranking then I don't think adding the new alternator will make the engine turn over to crank but maybe I'm wrong,I'm new🌊✌

You get a sub for keeping it REAL...I have this very same issue and it's annoying. Now I know what it is.

07 dodge ram 3500 sounds like a semi at idle. Noise is coming from lower driver side. Once rpms are above 1000 Noise goes away. Think this is my issue?

I have a question. There's been a rattling sound in the upper intake manifold of my 2014 dodge journey sxt. What could it possibly be?

Handsome and knowledgeable! My brothers car just went out and recently had his engine replaced. Def got it checked out and is the flywheel Honda si 2007 manual trans. Do you think this should be covered under engine warranty?

I watch this video and this was the same problem as mine had. Mine is an 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. I had people saying Harmonic balancer to Heat shields. Thanxs and keep making vids.

Great video. Simple. Straightforward. Informative. Thank you.

My 2.0 1971 pinto had some loose and missing bolts on the bell housing, I got a clunk sound at start up now and when the cer slows for a light. I'm thinking it this problem here in your video.

I think I have the same problem in the 2001 Mustang GT Bullitt but I notice one time I tap the catalytic convertor a few times and the knocking/metal to metal noise when away. But, later on when the noise come back I try the same thing and the noise didn't when away. I think I have a fly-wheel problem since a few times I miss 4 gear.

Subbed on this video. I had a similar frequency rattle. I had to take the gearbox out to be rebuilt from my 1991 Land Cruiser. The flex plate was cracked all round. I am pleased the gearbox needed to come out as the flexplate letting go at highway speed would have cost more I am sure.

Thank u your Awesome! I think u may have gave me hope experiencing similar issue with 02 xterra sc Can’t find plate yet. Wish they were a mechanic like u around Knoxville Tn. GODBLESS u for being u!

Awesome for you to actually tell people that. I actually have the same issue in my Chevy express 2500. The noise sounds like it's coming from the flex plate but I really thought I was mistaken. Because it doesn't sound like an engine knock or a transmission issue,. Sounds like loose metal banging around at the very beginning of driving. Or on hard shifts on the highway, but now getting worse. Thank you for the clerification, I really thought I was going to be wrong, now after watching this, I'm thinking yes flex plate is shot. Thank you again, keep up with new videos please

2010 buick la crosse making this kind of noise ... 14700 miles on it .. How much would it coast me to fix it if that proble . thanks .. Awesome 🎥..

Great info been waching a couple of viseos on this kind of noise that flex plate noise n whats the difference between a fly wheel & flex plate .. Awesome inf.. Buddy has a 2010 buick la crosse making this kind of noise .. How much would cost him to fix it & if thats the problem .. 2010 14700 miles on it ..

Appreciate your honesty my brother God Bless.

Are you near Phila?

Well how can you tell the difference from the engine knocking and the flex plate. I got a similar situation going on

Oz thank you for posting this informative video. I'm now sure of what is wrong with my 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager. mechanics here in the UK aren't to familiar with these vehicles. thanks again, Carl.

Just ran into this problem with my friend's 93 accord. Thanks for the confirmation.

I know this video is old but it was the only one to actually help me. I thought my catalytic converter was going out it has been making a ticking noise for awhile but it's expensive to replace so I've been waiting, well last night driving my truck the transmission quit on me. Pulled over and tried everything to get it to go. Decided to try to turn it off and restart the truck maybe the computer would reset. Welp, the truck wouldn't turn over now. Thought it was the transmission at first, but after reading up on the web and running into this video, I decided to check the flexplate which isn't very common to just break, well turns out the exact thing happened on my truck as in this video, the bolts in the center are still connected but the whole plate around it broke, I could turn it by my fingers. So I thought maybe I'd give my two cents and try to help anyone who might have the same issue as well.

Have you replaced a flex plate on a Toyota Tacoma 2.7 flex plate? If so my question is what order does the spacers go? I have a thick one and a thin one I know one should go at the crank and one at the bolt side but don't know what order.

Great video. I have a 78 Cadillac with the 425,3 speed trans. And lately i hear a light knock sound from within car just at the trans hump inside car. Its not much audible outside but inside it is. Wondering if this, what you mention in your video, is what's happening to mine. When in idle or cruising residential streets, you can't hear nothing. Once parked you can but again in the inside. 🤷‍♂️

Did the flywheel make noise only when in drive? I have 1992 Buick Park Avenue and i have a knocking noise when i put it in Drive, It is the worst mostly in range of 2000rpms. No noise in neutral even when revving. Your thoughts?

I’m having the same issue with my 2013 Nissan Altima. Nissan wants to charge me $1700 for the fix! With a flex plate being 100$ is $1500+ in labor really the average price?

Great job explaining this the Dodge caravans are notorious for this

Had a rattle that sounds like exaust. It was the starter not completely disengaging spur gear

Oz Mechanics great discussion, I am looking at a 2007 duramax cube van, with just this going on I think, from the seller :"I’m selling my 2007 cube van,it a really good working truck with good tires.truck needs a little work.its making loud noise and the mechanic said it a connecting rode or the connection barring.im ask 2000 but I’m open for good offer.can sell for parts as well I hear the flexplate on the GM 4L80E can shear like this and make noises, is it possible? Thanks!

I have pulled the inspection plate on an 04' Caravan (3.3L) in an attempt to look for a cracked flexplate. I have spun it all the way around and see no indications of cracks on the backside towards the motor. I am assuming that the flexplate is more likely to crack on the side towards the torque converter? The problem is that I am unable to access that side for inspection. But today I believe that I can pull the starter motor off and get a better peek inside.

Man thank you so much I thought my lifters were bad and was told by 2 mechanics but I looked under the car and the flex plate has a major wobble

I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger 2.7 v6 ... currently having this problem. Had to get a new starter. Car starts fine now but it’s grinding. Had the starter checked. It was fine. Could it be my flexplate ? Please advise. Thank you.

Bro I have tried every single thing 04 Chevy Silverado 4x4 1500 5.3l period soon as I got through watching this went cranked it up got another there and watched it and the flywheel was wobbliing just every once in awhile cuz it wasn't broke all the way and sometimes it would get out of whack so bad it would sound like I went through a rod or and then it would it'll get kind of backwards supposed to be in a bind stop. What would cause the oil to leak underneath they're out of that area that cover every screw solution could spin the lock washer on it. I have taken the exhaust completely off I've done everything you can imagine. You know if it's common on the 5.3 L leaky injectors

You rock chief!!!.. I had am issue with my chevy silverado and after your video I sent and took it a part and dead on!! That was my issue.. Thank you.

Hell yeah,,thanks for this video man. I though crankshaft bearings were going out.

Hi we just had And mechanic replace the clutch the fly wheel the whole kit but after all of that it is still making a noise around the same area but when you engage first second third fourth gear then the noise is gone it was all replaced with brand new parts on a Mazda three 2011 can you advise as to why they still make a noise

Can you tell me how to change a flexplate on a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4 wheel drive the flywheel is connected to the torque converter

Jeep tj 4.0 has a knocking noise in between the motor and transmission I’ve already purchased a new flex plate hopefully it fixes it.

I'm about to inspect my motor and transmission because of a "knock" that starts around 2500 rpm. I'm really hoping it's the flywheel or maybe the clutch. I really don't want it to be a rod bearing. It doesn't sound like a bearing, it only makes noise when there's a bit of torque on it and the rpm's are right. Anyway, thanks for the video.

Hello sir thank you for the video I know it’s been a couple years since you posted it on my 05 dodge Magnum RT 5.7 hemi is making a bird chirping sound from the rear top of the intake manifold I took inspection plate off the transmission did not see any cracks it definitely could still be broke somewhere hoping it’s not the crank or cam bearings just wanted to get your opinion thank you have a great day

I got a2012 1500 Silveradothat just was knocking for a long time when I start it and would go away alot of times. But one day it quit on me in the highway but the motor was still running, so I know my motor wasn't the issue, right?

What is the fee for flexplate replacement?? On the average

Question so I have a 99 Dodge Durango 5.9 mine is making a tapping sound that is consistent sort of like a knock you would hear if you had a bad valve but you only hear it when you put it in drive and when you put it in reverse once you accelerate past 10-15 mph you don't hear it anymore when you're parked and you rev up the engine in Park you hear no noise at all you think you could be a flexplate?

Hey brother not many honest mechanics out there glad they still a few. Hey we’re ur from location. Who knows mite Jst stop by one day. Keep up the good wrk brother

I have an 82 Chevy,I started hearing a knocking noise on engine,but I don't know if its the flywheel of transmission,or the bearings on motor,,,I seen a video to remove spark plugs one by one,,,how can I tell the difference??? Thank you

I tightened mine but still getting this noise. I'm positive it's from the flex plate or torque converter. There is a little wobble or bend in the plate when the truck is running. Not much but notocible. What would cause this? Where do these things crack at? I couldn't see any cracks in the flex plate through my inspection cover. 01 jeep cherokee xj.

Solid mechanics are hard to come by so thank you bro

Watching your vid man,,,my flex plate is shot..i hope. But on start up,,it's sounds horrible. Good god,,like it's going to throw a rod. But...at cruising speed,,it all goes away. I mean 60mph,,at 1500 rpm. At low Rpm,,i get that click,clank noise. Like when the starter let's go of the flex plate,,clank like crazy. Any thoughts??

Just want to know if this happens will it keep making the noise when you press the accelerator

my 2 door Tahoe is making knocking sound but first the speedometer stopped working I kept driving like that an that's when the knocking got bad it's definitely coming from transmission area or transfer case IDK what the problem is I'm going to check the flexplate this weekend

How much would it be to have that fix I have the same problem with my car I took it to a shop they said it’s gonna be $600 dollars to fix it

Can a flex plate make a knocking sound under a load,or would it be all of the time?

may have this issue on a new to me Ford Ranger 4x4 4.0 V6 Automatic trans... Deciding whether to shade tree it, or bring it in. Vehicle worth is about $3500 and has 222,000 so I dunno. Never dropped a trans before.... How many hours would you bill for this job on a Ranger? Thanks for the video.

I live in Houston and i was wondering if you guys have a branch here in pasadena

I think I have the same problem.. what would the average cost for the job be .. ??

No lie about the bad rap. Ive had so much half assed stuff done by other "mechanics" that theyve charged out the ass for come through my shop it makes me sick. I know we all gotta make money but not like that, if thats how to get rich then Ill stay honest and poor.

We have a 2005 Chevy trailblazer we are wanting to sell & believe it to be flexplate causing knocking. My husband doesn't want to mess with it so what could we get out of it selling it?

I experiencing 4 flexplate cut off always during driving time in a very high speed. Please help me ...what cause that fault?

In my experience, before you remove the flex plate make sure that the starter gear isn’t floating in and out. Similar sound.

Can you tell me what is wrong with my horse he's making a ticking sound . Thanks

Honesty is everything...my 66 Buick lasabre just started making noise near the torque converter, sounds like a cow bell...not constant yet though. I’ll try to figure it out with the access panel off..ugh

Great advise any videos on how to fix?

Hey I have a Chrysler town and country and I believe I have that problem but transmission fluid is leaking from the flywheel area any idea could it be the seal behind the torque converter?

Would this cause a knocking sound when You put it in drive or reverse cause it becomes quiet when in park or neutral

OZ i have a 350 with a 700r4 but engine vibrates at idle if i remove the torque convertor bolts it does not vibrate at idle its the 2 split seal engine on rear main. It has new harmonic balancer and new flex plate im haveing trouble diagnosing this problem maybe u can help

2000 gmc vortec 5.3 high pitched loud knock, its louder on passenger's side than driver's side. Thought it was exhaust but its more metalic. Someone said bearing, another said flex plate. Damn good motor so far alomst 240k on it. Last few years its had a lower pithced harder sounding startup knock that would quickley go away. Now it has this higher pitched sound.

So what might your thought be on a 97 Grand Cherokee with a 5.2 that only knocks when it is in park . RND21 no noise .

🤔 just did heads on subaru and ran great for 5min, gave it a bit of juice and Knock knock knock! My heart sank as I thought i got the timing wrong. But investigation taught me motor was beautiful sounding at 2ooo so in I go again I suppose 👍.

So a flywheel pertains to a standard, transmission. And a flexplate is now a part of an automatic transmission?

I have a 99 gmc yukon. it sounds like a knock but goes away instantly when in gear. Drives fine, starts fine, runs fine just maybe a slight vibration. trans/transfer replaced about 3 years ago. so I'll have to check it out because I have driven it a lot. the noise is the same and when it started it hasn't got any louder.

I replace the flexplate on my 2001 Ford F150 but is still making the clunking noise in that area what can it be