Clunking Noise On Starting ... Engine Mount?

[Gabaunion]

Avensis 54 plate 2L diesel

Getting a clunk-clunk-clunk on starting. Also have had a clunk if you let the clutch up sharp, I thought that was from the wheels, but now think it could be a mount.

Do mounts go on these cars?

could it be something else?

It's really noticeable when the car is slow to start.

It feels like it is clunking with the lateral movement of the engine, rather than from the starter motor.

[tobiasdog]

Hi there, cars fitted with ABS, this noise that you describe is often heard when moving away after engine start up or just after the engine is started. This means that the anti-lock brake system is in the self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction.

hope this is helpfull.

[KPARRIS-JONES]

If when you are driving and you accelerate hard/sharply, does the knock appear and once only? That would suggest it is an engine mount. However if it is a clunk that just goes along with engine idle and increases with engine speed you may have a gearbox issue. Try and go through all the gears to rule out the box.

Check the mounts yourself, inspecting them for any lacerations or fractures in the rubber. It is unusual on a car of that age though I must say!

KP

[pauljj]

Mine did that from new,took it back to dealership and was also told abs,suprised how loud it was but no problem

[Gabaunion]

If when you are driving and you accelerate hard/sharply, does the knock appear and once only? That would suggest it is an engine mount. However if it is a clunk that just goes along with engine idle and increases with engine speed you may have a gearbox issue. Try and go through all the gears to rule out the box.

Check the mounts yourself, inspecting them for any lacerations or fractures in the rubber. It is unusual on a car of that age though I must say!

KP

Thanks.

Looks like I could have explained it better. The noise is USUALLY while the starter is turning the motor over. But it also makes the noise extra loud if I stall it on the clutch. I just had the timing belt done, it wasn't doing it before that, but not immediately after either. I am reasonably sure the engine is banging up against something, that is what it sounds like for sure, but if anyone else knows better.

This car takes forever to start. I am used to old mechanical pump diesels that started on the first turn of the engine. This one takes at least 6 revolutions, 12 or more if its cold etc. I was assuming from what i've read that these cars don't start too quick, but it really is a long time to start. (Please don't somebody tell me to wait for the glow plugs )

There is also a clunk as I pull away, particularly after reversing, I assume backlash is ok, but its quite a clunk with a slight ring to it. This noise comes from the drivers side wheel and I'm pretty sure it's not connected with the main noise.

I will let you know once I've found out whats going on.

[KPARRIS-JONES]

Ok then yes it is likely an engine mount, and my suspicion is that one was removed when the timing belt was done and has been loosely fitted so it isn't holding well enough.

You will need to inspect them yourself to be sure.

[Gabaunion]

Mine did that from new,took it back to dealership and was also told abs,suprised how loud it was but no problem

Thats another thing.....

The ABS is pants on this car. I know Jap ABS is for emergency breaking not like the Euro type that you drive on all day long, my Nissans were the same, but this one takes the ubik.

When it decides to start up it has a mind of its own... Most of all it doesnt work too good neither. I found a greasy bit of road and I could have done much better without it.

I did like the way it stops a spinning wheel in the snow though.

[Gabaunion]

Hi,KPARRIS-JONES

Thanks for that, pretty obvious really but it didn't happen straight away. I'm sure its tight enough, but it was probably damaged.

Makes me wonder what else is about to fall off now...

[elizaharry]

Check the starter mounting bolts for tightness. This is the most common reason for clunking/grinding noise.