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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: robert_h on August 20, 2005, 11:11:30 AM

Title: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: robert_h on August 20, 2005, 11:11:30 AM

Hi All,
My 98 Sidekick (automatic transmission) has developed an unusual problem. At idle, it makes a loud rattling/knocking noise. It's much louder in "D" or "R" than when in "P" or "N", which makes me suspect the tranny rather than the engine. The noise is quieter when the vehicle has warmed up. The problem appeared suddenly. Any ideas what might cause this?
Thanks,  - Robert

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: Dihnekis on August 20, 2005, 01:39:02 PM

Check your transmission fluid lately?

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: robert_h on August 20, 2005, 01:51:55 PM

Yeah, the fluid's full. No evidence of leaking. Tranny fluid & filter were changed 18 months (10k miles) ago.

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: b1pig on August 20, 2005, 06:34:22 PM

cracked flywheel?

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: derekj on August 20, 2005, 06:46:32 PM

does it sound like it could be the cat converter - they rattle when idling in gear. just give it a few knocks with a big hammer when the vehicle is off and see if it makes the same noise.

derek

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: wildgoody on August 20, 2005, 11:44:49 PM

A loose exhaust is much more likely
than a bad something in the trans

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: robert_h on August 21, 2005, 11:28:09 AM

I just spent a few minutes under the 'Zuk. The noise does not seem to be coming from the cat or the exhaust system (but that was a good theory!). It's hard to localize the noise, though. It could just as easily be engine noise. The vehicle only has 74k miles. I changed the oil and didn't see any evidence of metal in the oil. 

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: mth712 on August 21, 2005, 03:17:27 PM

Flywheel, U-joints .....

Title: Re: 98 Kick (automatic) with rattling/knocking at idle ?
Post by: robert_h on September 25, 2005, 12:08:22 PM

I wound up taking the vehicle to my mechanic. The problem turned out to be internal to the torque converter, so they had it rebuilt. The mechanic thought it was a very unusual failure. Anyway, things are now back to normal.