out of the blue my 97 2.4 sunfire GT has developed an incredible engine knock.

it sounds like the motor has broken something internally, there is an incredible clanking noise, increases with RPM's and yet the engine at idle runs smooth and there is no missing in any cylinder, which to me rules out valves etc.

Has anyone experienced this? what was the diagnosis?

I do not want to pull the engine only do find out after that it was something stupid and cheaply fixed...

Is youre motor making a thud some while pushing the the gas pedle? No check engine light on? Sounds to me u got a bearing failure happening in the bottom end of the engine. U will have to pull the motor, how many miles on the motor? Could get away with rebuilding the bottom end. few hundred dollars with youre labor.

I would call it more of a clack then a thud, but you are confirming my fears.


I have read I can "rebuild" the bottom end while in the engine is still in the car, has anyone ever done this?

Thanks for the feedback!


Cheers