The release of a transmission clicking noise when accelerating is a subtle problem that can severely damage a car’s transmission system if not handled carefully.
While most vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the roaring sound of their powerful engine, only a few ever notice the subtle clicking noise until it becomes very obvious. However, identifying the causes of this malfunction and how to fix the problem is sacrosanct.
This article is strategically drafted to pinpoint specific causes that are responsible for a clicking noise when driving and what to do about them.
What Causes Transmission Clicking Noise When Accelerating?
Knowing the causes of a transmission clicking noise is one of the fundamental ways of getting a solution to the problem. If you’re wondering, “Why is there a clicking noise I accelerate my car?” Some of the major causes of this problem include the following:
#1. Low Transmission Fluid.
If your transmission fluid is low, top it up with the recommended fluid. If you have a full tank and it’s still making noise, it could be an issue with your transmission fluid. To check this:
- Check if the transmission fluid level is correct by reading the dipstick or referring to the manual.
- If it needs topping up, add the recommended quantity of new automatic transmission fluid until it reaches or passes full on your dipstick/instructions (referring to manufacturer specifications). Don’t overfill it. Overfilling can cause leaks and damage your vehicle’s drivetrain components, such as clutches and bands that aren’t supposed to come into contact with dirty fluids like automotive transmission oil.
#2. Loose Exhaust Heat Shield.
Loose heat shields are another common source of exhaust noises. When the shield becomes loose, it will not provide a tight seal around the muffler and can cause exhaust to rub against the frame.
It will create a lot of noise at idle and low speeds but won’t be noticeable at high speeds because of wind noise from driving fast or open windows on other cars.
In this case, you can try tightening up your vehicle’s exhaust system by checking for leaks in your hangers and ensuring everything is secure before you take it into a professional inspection or repair job.
#3. Faulty Torque Converter.
In a nutshell, the torque converter is part of your transmission. It’s a device that transfers power from the transmission to the driveshaft — the car part that moves its wheels.
The torque converter does this by multiplying engine output and sending it through this special fluid inside itself.
It means you get more power when accelerating than what you started with in terms of RPMs and horsepower, but there should be enough pressure built-up for this process to work properly.
If there’s too much resistance or not enough oil flow, then there may be clicking noises inside the torque converter itself.
#4. Bad U-Joints.
If you hear a clicking noise when a car accelerates or decelerates, your U-joints may be failing.
What are U-joints? They’re the joints where the axle meets the driveshaft and transfer case. These components allow your car to turn corners smoothly, which is why they’re often called universal joints.
When they fail, they can cause issues like vibrations, clunking sounds (in tires), and trouble accelerating and/or shifting gears smoothly.
Why do these parts fail? They can wear out over time due to normal wear and tear — but if you’ve had extensive damage during an accident, this can accelerate the failure rate.
Some factors will almost certainly cause failure: overheating from going off-road in harsh conditions; using cheap aftermarket parts instead of genuine factory ones; poor maintenance habits (like not replacing worn parts).
Regardless of the failure reason, bad U-joints will eventually start making noise when accelerating because they’ll be unable to handle all of your engine’s torque sent through them.
#5. Driveshaft Issues.
You’ll find three major parts to the driveshaft: differential, transmission, and axle. The differential transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
It also provides torque to both sides of the vehicle using spider gear. It is located right above each wheel hub.
The transmission transmits power from its input shaft (which attaches to your engine) into its output shaft (which attaches to your axle).
The axles connect your tires with your transmission so that you can drive smoothly along roads and highways without feeling any vibrations or bumps.
The driveshaft is the part of your car that connects the engine to the wheels, so your vehicle needs to run smoothly.
Driveshaft issues can include:
- Bent or broken driveshafts.
- Broken universal joints on the driveshaft.
- A cracked or broken case on the driveshaft housing.
- Loose or broken bolts, nuts, and washers that hold the driveshaft together.
#6. Worn Axles.
The axles are the shafts that connect the wheels to the transmission. If you hear a clicking noise while accelerating your car, worn or broken axles are likely the cause.
Axles can wear out from years of use, causing them to break or wear down. It’s crucial to repair or replace your axle if you notice this issue as it may impact your vehicle’s performance and safety.
If you’re having trouble shifting gears while in motion, and suspect that it has something to do with your transmission, then we recommend working with an expert at your local shops to diagnose and fix any issues.
#7. Bad Wheel Bearings.
If you hear a clicking sound while accelerating, bad wheel bearings might cause it. Wheel bearings keep your wheels rolling smoothly and securely, but if they’re damaged or worn out, they can make a noisy clicking noise as the wheels turn.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to fix this problem — most easily, by replacing the old bearing with a new one.
You’ll want to contact an auto mechanic who knows how to do it (or learn from YouTube videos yourself).
You might also be able to lubricate your old bearing; if so, try pouring some WD-40 into each corner before turning it slowly with your hands until it stops making noise and feels smooth again.
One last thing: If none of these solutions work, then talk with an expert — they have years’ worth of experience fixing everything under the hood.
#8. Worn Brake Pads.
If you’re hearing a clicking noise while accelerating, the first thing to check is your brake pads. Brake pads are the part of the brake system that makes contact with your vehicle’s disc or drum brakes to slow it down.
The combination is of organic and inorganic materials, depending on what brake pad you have — some are naturally more prone to wear than others.
If your brakes start making a lot of noise when you step on them or apply the gas pedal, this could indicate that your brake pads need replacing.
The sound is caused by metal-on-metal contact as they scrape against each other while driving; if this happens too frequently over time, it will wear down both parts until they no longer work properly.
#9. Dielectric Grease on Rotors.
If your rotors are warped, the pads will wear unevenly. It causes the rotor to vibrate against the brake pad and creates a clicking noise while you accelerate.
To fix this problem, first, check that there is no dielectric grease on your rotors. If there is, clean it off with mineral spirits and a rag or paper towels. Then replace the pads if they wear out to less than half their thickness (1/8-inch).
Also, consider resurfacing your rotors if warping has damaged only one side; this makes them look smooth again and can help prevent further wear on more expensive replacement pads.
#10. Air in the Brake Lines.
Air in the brake lines is another possible reason for a clicking noise when you accelerate. The air bubbles forming because of moisture absorption cause the fluid to expand, which you can hear as a clicking sound.
It could also cause other problems, such as insufficient braking power, so you should get a mechanic to check it out if you notice this problem.
#11. Timing Belts.
The engine’s timing belt can cause clicking sound while accelerating. The timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync, which allows your car to run smoothly.
The timing belt is a long rubber strip that connects the crankshaft pulley to the camshaft pulley. As you accelerate, this belt makes a noise as it moves over each pulley.
#12. Oil Pump Pickup Screen.
The oil pump pickup screen is a small screen that you can locate inside the oil pump. It’s made of metal mesh and filters out debris before reaching the bearings.
The oil pump, which pressurizes engine oil and sends it through the engine for lubrication, has two main components: a rotor and a stator.
The rotor spins within the stator to create suction, pumping up engine oil through lines to various parts of your car’s engine system.
The screen is easily replaced if damaged or clogged with dirt particles. It may require special tools or techniques when replacing it yourself due to its location in tight spaces inside the engine compartment (such as under the hood).
What are the signs of transmission problems?
Transmission problems can start with minor signs and migrate into more severe symptoms that can result in quick damage over time. Some of the first signs of transmission problems include the following:
- Check engine light illumination
- Gear slippage
- Unresponsive gear-shifting
- Burning smell
- Fluid leak
- Shaking and grinding
- Dragging clutch
- Humming, whining, clicking sounds, etc.
Diagnostic Steps to Identify the Source of Clicking Noise
Accurate diagnosis of transmission clicking requires a systematic approach, combining auditory observation with mechanical inspection and diagnostic tools.
- Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition: Begin by inspecting the fluid level and appearance. Low or burnt-smelling fluid indicates the need for a flush or refill.
- Listen to the Noise Pattern: Note whether the clicking occurs during acceleration, deceleration, or while idling. This helps differentiate between internal and external causes.
- Use a Scan Tool: Connect an OBD-II scanner to detect any transmission-related error codes, particularly those related to solenoids or sensors.
- Inspect the Torque Converter and Transmission Mounts: Worn mounts can cause misalignment and noise; torque converter issues often require professional evaluation.
- Examine CV Joints and Axles: Check for torn boots or excessive play that may cause clicking while turning.
- Test Drive Under Various Conditions: Reproduce the noise during different driving scenarios to better pinpoint the issue.
How To Fix Transmission Clicking Noise When Accelerating?
Once you inspect and diagnose the actual cause of your vehicle’s clicking transmission, fixing the problem becomes easy. If you finally figure out what the problem is, try following solutions as it concerns the faulty parts.
#1. Top off the fluid level.
If you discover that you have a low fluid level, kindly refill. Refilling the transmission fluid will help to stop the clicking sound and prevent overheating in the long run.
If you’re asking, “Why does my transmission make a clicking noise?” Kindly verify the fluid level to know whether this is the issue.
#2. Change the transmission fluid.
Running on dirty transmission fluid can be frustrating because of its effects. If this is the issue, changing the transmission fluid with the recommended product will help to handle this issue.
#3. Replace worn-out gear.
Broken gear teeth will only get worse until you fix them. If you experience a clicking sound when accelerating uphill, you most likely have worn-out gear.
#4. Replace defective bands or pulley.
Also, if you have a defective band or pulley, you may risk being stranded due to a sudden breakdown. So, if you’re having this issue, replace the parts as soon as possible before they get damaged completely.
Preventive Measures and Maintenance to Avoid Transmission Clicking
Routine maintenance and proper vehicle care significantly reduce the risk of transmission clicking noises and prolong transmission lifespan. Recommended practices include:
- Regular Transmission Fluid Checks and Changes: Maintain manufacturer-specified fluid levels and replace fluid at recommended intervals to ensure optimal lubrication and cooling.
- Use Manufacturer-Approved Fluids: Utilize transmission fluids that meet OEM specifications to prevent chemical incompatibility and component damage.
- Address Warning Signs Promptly: Investigate unusual noises, shifts, or dashboard indicators immediately to prevent escalation.
- Scheduled Transmission Inspections: Include transmission checks during regular vehicle servicing to identify wear before failure.
- Gentle Driving Habits: Avoid aggressive acceleration or abrupt gear changes which can stress transmission components.
- Cooling System Maintenance: Ensure the transmission cooler and related systems are functioning correctly to prevent overheating.
FAQs.
Q: Why is my car making a clicking noise when I put it in drive?
Driving is expected to be as smooth as possible, especially when your car is in perfect condition.
So, if you’re asking, “Why is my car making a clicking noise when I push the gas pedal or put it in the drive?” It is most likely you’re running on a low oil level, or the engine oil is dirty.
A car’s engine oil is designed to lubricate every part of the engine, preventing them from wear, rust, sludge, and deposits build-up. This is why using good synthetic oil is necessary, as some conventional oil may not deliver maximally.
Therefore, it is vital to stick with the recommended engine oil for your car, especially fully synthetic engine oil. Also, ensure not to run on a low oil level at any time.
Q: What does it mean when your transmission is ticking?
A ticking transmission is abnormal in a car. If your vehicle’s transmission produces a ticking sound, it means you have broken gear teeth.
Any defective part of the transmission system will usually manifest when you drive; however, a set of broken gear teeth is quick to release a ticking sound.
It may be possible to drive with this problem in your car, but not for too long. Although some vehicle malfunctions can be managed in the meantime, neglecting them for too long can cause severe damage to the car.
So, if your car’s transmission is ticking, get to an expert auto mechanic to diagnose and rectify the problem immediately. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
Q: What does your car sound like when the transmission is going out?
When a car’s transmission is going out, it will usually produce a clunking, whining, or humming sound. This is one of the most pronounced symptoms of a defective transmission, among others.
So, if you don’t figure out there is a problem resulting from any other malfunctions, these sounds send a strong warning that you must not ignore.
You may be able to drive around with a whining, clunking, or humming transmission; however, the sound may degenerate into a more severe and extremely costly problem. So, don’t wait until your car breaks down completely after hearing any of these sounds.
If your car’s transmission is making a clicking noise when accelerating, make sure your auto mechanic to inspect, diagnose, and fixes the problem immediately.
Q: Can a transmission make a ticking noise?
Not necessarily! A vehicle’s transmission does not directly release a ticking sound. This sound is usually traceable to a defective differential component, axle, pulley, or belt.
If you hear this ticking sound increasingly as you engage your vehicle’s gear, ensure to find out what could be wrong. Every component mentioned above is important to the proper functioning of your car.
In case your mechanic’s diagnosis shows a defection in any of the parts, ensure to repair or replace them immediately. In fact, ensure to imbibe the culture of responding to issues early enough before they escalate.
Final Words
If you’re experiencing a transmission clicking noise when accelerating, ensure to implement the solution that corresponds with the actual cause of the problem. However, if the solution requires engaging a professional auto mechanic, do not hesitate to do so.
Meanwhile, prevention has always been better than trying to fix faulty vehicle parts. So, it would be best to imbibe a proper maintenance culture to help keep your car performing at its best. Never forget that prevention is the best way to overcome a problem.