Just made it home, My 2k1 SE,81k miles just started making this knocking noise coming from under the hood. Happened a few blocks away from home, so I just slowly drove it into my driveway.

I always fill it up with premium gas, and always change the oil every 3-4k miles with Mobil 1 synthetic. I'll check the oil, and air filters first, then
I'll probably take her to the mechanic tomorow, hoping that it won't cost me an arm & leg.

81k miles...what could it be?

Let me know if you have had similar problems.

 

I took a close look this morning and saw that one of the belts edges has ripped off. The belt looks like its still connected, but I'm concerned that it might snap if I try to drive it to the mechanic. The unfortunate thing is that I had this belt changed about 15k miles ago.

I've heard of some horror stories of timing belts snapping and costly engine repairs...

Don't I have a timing 'Chain'? Its the belt connected to the alternator.

 

the timing chain is inside the timing cover.
those are just regular ol belts.
have a towtruck get it to your local shop.

edit: how did the car drive feel odd? was it bucking? Did it soudn like a metal on metal sound or just a clunk? Was the clunk happening at a certain time asin every 5 seconds or did it go up with your RPMs?

 

Hey thanks,

My mechanic friend came by this afternoon and changed the serpentine belts. I bought really good ones this time. at 60k miles, I had them changed at the local RS Straus and they put cheap belts on. Car runs great again!