Subaru engines are known for their practicality and dependability, but even the most bulletproof motors can experience particular issues. If you notice a ticking noise coming from your engine, it may be warning you of an issue within your powertrain. Here’s what you should know about the common causes of a ticking Subaru engine, how it could affect your vehicle, and what steps you should take next!
Causes of Ticking Noise From Subaru
Valvetrain Noise
The valvetrain is a common source of a ticking noise in your engine, often known as “lifter tick”. Valvetrain noise most frequently occurs when the oil pressure is not at an adequate level to fully push the lifter upwards, leading to a ticking noise as the engine runs.
Noise from the valvetrain can also occur when one of the many small components has failed or loosened, causing it to contact other metal components and creating a ticking or pinging noise.
Timing Chain/Belt
The timing chain/belt is responsible for ensuring each step of the combustion process occurs at the exact proper time. With gradual use, the rubber belt or metal chain used for the timing system can begin to wear, loosen, or slip from its track.
Not only does this lead to a notable ticking noise, it also likely means your timing system is experiencing issues. If left unaddressed, timing problems can quickly cause irreparable damage to your engine.
Cooling Fan
One of the more harmless causes of a ticking noise while driving is a faulty cooling fan, which sits behind the radiator and moves air through the fins to disperse heat into the surroundings.
Unusual sounds from the fan can occur due to a slipped fan belt, damaged shroud or blades, or when debris becomes lodged in the blades. It’s important to ensure your cooling fan is operating properly to allow for adequate cooling.
If you suspect your cooling fan is experiencing issues, have it inspected by a trusted professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential overheating.
Fuel Injectors
The fuel injectors are responsible for injecting atomized fuel into the combustion chamber in intervals measured in milliseconds, meaning that they experience near constant use while driving.
Due to this continuous use, injectors will experience gradual wear over time. Whether it’s due to contaminants clogging the injectors, electrical issues, or simply wear and tear, a faulty injector will be unable to add a sufficient volume of fuel to the combustion chamber. As the injectors struggle to operate, a ticking noise may develop from your Subaru’s engine.
Exhaust Leak
One of the most common sources of a ticking or pinging noise coming from your vehicle is an exhaust leaks. These leaks occur when exhaust gasses are able to exit the system early, bypassing the catalytic converters and mufflers needed to mitigate harmful exhaust emissions as well as engine noise. Leaks most often develop due to corrosion of the exhaust components, a faulty gasket, or due to an impact that cracks or warps the system.
The accompanying ticking sound is due to the exhaust gasses pulsating out of the leak, which also allows harmful emissions and unmitigated engine noise to exit the system.
Exhaust leaks can cause a number of issues, especially if the leak is located prior to the oxygen sensors, where emissions can leak from the system prior to being monitored by the o2 sensor. If you suspect you have an active exhaust leak, it’s important to have it inspected by a trusted professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage, performance issues, and inhaling toxic emissions.
Subaru Engine Diagnostics in Boulder, CO
If you notice a ticking or pinging noise from your Subaru, don’t hesitate to schedule with the specially-trained technicians at Super Rupair in Boulder, Colorado. Our team works exclusively on Subaru platforms, so you can always rest assured that your vehicle is in experienced hands. Give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment at Super Rupair.