Tapping Noise

[Bmwz389]

Ok this is really strange....

I keep having this intermittent slapping or tapping noise that sounds like my engine is goings to split apart.

I have a 92 Explorer XLT 2wd OHV with 176,000 miles on it.

It seems to be coming from the front of the engine bay, and only when in gear (not park or neutral). I almost wanna say it sounds like a belt being hit on something really fast, like tapping 3 times every second....

Could someone please tell me if they have had this problem and/or fixed it, or any help to what it could be??

Also, I have a squeaking noise coming to what sound like the passenger side. It's only when I'm driving, so I can't pin point which end it's coming from. It's getting louder over the months which can only mean it's getting worse...Any idea's on that one too??

Thanks alot guys!

-Brandon

 

[Bmwz389]

I've noticed that today it's gone....it seems to only do it the day of an oil change i guess...But it's way too loud to be a valve tick....I'm really worried about it because this is my only daily driver and I go t school every morning, so if it breaks down I'm f**cked...

 

[ricaandjohn]

I have the same exact sound (tapping only in gear). I put up a thread asking for solutions but no responses...good luck!

 

[Bmwz389]

ha yeah, hopefully someone will respond...People here are usually pretty good with helping narrow down the strange stuff...

Well just have to see i guess =)

 

[Wrench]

Your first step would be to use a stethoscope and check all the parts that come into contact with the belt on the front of the engine (idling). You could just remove the belt completely and fire the engine to see if the noise disappears but don't run it long that way. Is the belt in good condition?
Does the noise change with engine RPM ? Auto or 5 speed?
Engine hot or cold when noise appears? AC?

 

[Bmwz389]

The belt seems in good condition, very small cracks along the whole belt (underside). I can only seem to hear it when its under 5 MPH with no acceleration. Forgot to mention it's a Automatic. And the last time I heard it was when I was heading home for the day, at night. So the engine was warm. And I believe the ac was off, because when the ac is on it spins the pulley and I tried ruling it out...

 

[Bmwz389]

So anyone have any takers on the chirping noise that goes away once i depress my brake pedal?

I just redid practically the entire brake system, so it would be a little strange to have something wrong on it.

Thanks again!

 

[Bmwz389]

Update.

ok so I was outside pulling off an old tow bar on my x when i was setting it into place I pushed the car and shook it.

I noticed that the same sound I here when I'm driving starts up. It's coming from the front right wheel.

Could this be a bearing or a squeaky shock?

What else could this be?

 

[ricaandjohn]

ok so I was outside pulling off an old tow bar on my x when i was setting it into place I pushed the car and shook it.

I noticed that the same sound I here when I'm driving starts up. It's coming from the front right wheel.

Could this be a bearing or a squeaky shock?

What else could this be?

maybe a ball joint?

 

[Bmwz389]

could that go away when I apply my brakes? It's just confusing because it goes away when I brake...

 

[Bmwz389]

umm ok then.