3 Components to Check When the Car Starter Makes a Clicking Sound

The presence of noises in the engine when the car is started can be a sign that there is a serious problem that needs to be fixed immediately. Surely there is one component that has the potential to cause a clicking sound. What could be the cause of the car starter making a clicking noise? To clarify, here is the discussion.

1. Starter Motor

For those of you who understand the automotive world, you certainly know that the starter motor is an important component for starting the engine.

The starter motor is located at the back of the engine, precisely near the flywheel. You should know that the starter motor generates a considerable amount of power when the car is started or turned on.

Basically, a car engine has 4 pistons that require more power to turn the crankshaft. Due to the high power needed, the starter motor can vibrate when the car is started. As a result, you will hear a clicking sound when the car is turned on.

Since the sound comes from the vibration of the motor, the clicking noise usually only occurs when the car is started. To resolve this, you need to check the bolts on the starter motor to avoid the car starter making a clicking noise.

If the bolt lock is loose or even detached, reattach the bolt and tighten it securely.

2. Pinion Gear

The pinion gear is a component in the car engine in the form of a gear. This gear will connect the starter motor component with the flywheel gear.

So when the engine is started, the pinion gear will engage with the flywheel. After the motor shaft rotates, the flywheel and crankshaft will also rotate.

Common problems that arise with this component include gear wear, gear detachment, and erosion.

This is caused by the gear constantly colliding with the flywheel gear component. If not addressed promptly, the damage will spread widely.

When the gear component is worn and uneven, it will produce strange noises in the engine. However, this clicking noise will disappear once the car has successfully started.

Later, the clicking sound will reappear when the car is started again. The only solution to this issue is to replace the pinion gear.

Read Also: Recognize 10 Symptoms of Transmission Problems to Avoid Severe Damage

3. Engine Mounting

Engine mounting is a component in the engine that serves to support all engine components to remain sturdy.

In addition to holding the engine, engine mounting is also designed to absorb vibrations produced by engine activity. Thus, the car body will remain comfortable even when operating at high RPM.

Common problems that can cause a clicking noise include a broken engine mounting rubber. A broken engine mounting rubber causes the component to no longer dampen vibrations.

As a result, a clicking sound will appear when the car is started. To resolve this, replace the component with a new one to prevent the car starter from making a clicking noise.

A car that produces strange sounds when started is a sign that there is damage in the engine compartment.

After reading this discussion, you can learn to understand which components have the potential to produce a clicking noise. After understanding this, you now need to perform checks to ensure the car's performance remains stable.

Read Also: Engine Mounting: An Important Component of the Car Engine