If while the engine is running you start hearing strange sounds, it's time to think - is the engine knocking? This could be a sign of a serious breakdown that cannot be ignored. It is especially important to understand how the engine knocks by sound, so that you can contact a service in time and not end up with a major overhaul.

How to understand that the engine is knocking

How to understand that the engine is knocking? First of all - by the characteristic metallic sound that appears when starting or while driving. It can be:
  • quiet but regular - like a clicking;
  • dull and deep - like impacts;
  • a ring of metal on metal - when accelerating or under load.
By ear, this can resemble:
  • the ticking of a clock (with slight valve wear),
  • hammer blows (if the connecting rods are knocking),
  • a ringing metallic clicking (during detonation),
  • a rhythmic dull knock (if the pistons or bearings are damaged).

How the engine knocks: main types of sounds

Here is a list of possible sounds and their causes:
  1. Knocking in the upper part of the engine
    • Possible causes: wear of valves, lifters, camshaft.
    • Character: frequent, light, intensifies on a cold engine.
  2. Knocking in the lower part of the engine
    • Causes: wear of connecting rod or main bearings of the crankshaft.
    • Character: dull and heavy, especially on a hot engine.
  3. Detonation knock
    • Causes: poor fuel, early ignition.
    • Character: ringing clicking, manifests during acceleration.
  4. Piston knock
    • Causes: wear of piston skirts, incorrect clearance.
    • Character: rhythmic knock under load and when cold.

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How to understand that the engine is knocking on VAZ

On VAZ cars, especially with mileage, knocks are not uncommon.
How the VAZ engine knocks:
  • With piston wear - the knock appears immediately after starting, but disappears as it warms up.
  • With bearing wear - a dull impact is heard, especially at high RPMs.
  • With valve problems - a light clicking, similar to a sewing machine.
If you have a VAZ 2106, 2110 or Lada Granta, and you hear a knock in the engine, you should not delay diagnostics. Even a slight sound can be a signal of a serious malfunction.

What to do if the engine is knocking

  1. Do not ignore the sound. Even if it is weak - this is already a reason for a check.
  2. Determine the area of the knock. The top - valves, the lower part - pistons or crankshaft.
  3. Contact a service station. Self-diagnosis is possible, but requires experience.
  4. Do not load the engine. Until the cause is identified - avoid revving and high speed.
Now you know how the engine knocks by sound and how to understand that the engine is knocking. Sound is the main sign of a malfunction, and it cannot be ignored. Whether it's a VAZ or another car, a knock in the engine is a signal to act. The sooner you contact specialists, the cheaper and faster the repair will be.