I was driving home tonight and started hearing a loud clicking sound from the engine compartment, along with simultaneous vibrations from the gear shifter. Kinda like something caught in the wheel, but the frequency of the sound doesn't change much with vehicle speed, engine rpm, or gear. The sound was like a "chick" sound about 2 per second. It was pretty loud when the clutch was engaged, and quieter (more like a click) with the clutch pressed in.

I have no idea where to start. Please help!

 

The clicking sound HAS to be consistent with either the Speed or the RPM. Can you confirm what the noise is consistent with?

 

Okay it's consistent with speed, doesn't matter which gear I put it in, though. It's gotta be something on the driveline side of the clutch. Like something popped out of place and is rubbing. It didn't appear to make the noise in reverse, although I didn't drive in reverse for very long.

 

Does it make the sound when the vehicle is not moving?

If it only makes noise when the vehicle is moving, you have a drive trane or tranny problem.

 

Only when the car is moving. I talked to a mechanic and he said it's unlikely the tranny because the clicking doesn't increase with engine rpm. Would this be an indication of the CV joints going out or something? I'd really love to fix this myself like this weekend if at all possible.

 

I recorded the noise it makes. It is exactly synchronized with the spinning of the drive shafts. I can't really pinpoint the origin, as I feel kinda weird getting under the car while it's going (on jackstands).

Please take a listen. Download the attached zip file and rename it as an mp3.

 

I thought maybe it was the CV joints so I replaced both the left and right drive axles tonight and the sound is still there. Sounds like a pop/clank now. Sigh. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Damn, that sounds horrible.

That right there is an indication that the issue is within the tranny/ clutch assembly. Dont waste your time trouble shooting outside the tranny assembly. Because the sound is consistent with the speed and not the RPM, I doubt that the issue will be with the clutch. try to run the car on a lift or front end raised to see if that possibly helps narrow down the origin of the sound.

Kruso

 

I did, that sound was recorded with the car running while raised on jack stands. I'm guessing it's a problem with the transaxle, which is beyond my scope of DIY. I guess it's mechanic time.

 

Just to answer my own question (and anybody else's who comes upon this thread in the future), the banging noise was because my final drive gear had two chipped teeth.

I decided that the cost of a new tranny wasn't worth it and sold my car. I'm very sad to see my Max go in such a unglorified manner. I enjoyed all 110,000 miles I put in that car over the past 4 years. I drive an SUV now. :-(