Being subject to constant noise on your vehicle tends to be disturbing, a vehicle is so elaborate that it is constantly difficult to locate its origin and even more so to find the part that produces it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your Kia Optima, we will most likely be able to help you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to write this document in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on Kia Optima. This is why, firstly, we will look at what are the causes of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the sources of clicking noise on Kia Optima coming from your suspensions.
I listen to a clicking noise on Kia Optima on my engine
Check your high engine
If you listen to a clicking noise on Kia Optima, and this sound is located at the top of the engine, it means that it originates from your cylinder head and its associated parts. Two parts can be the causes of these ticking noises on Kia Optima. Either the hydraulic pushers , in most cases it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will hear these clicking noises, often when cold and go away when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their condition of wear that is at issue. In this circumstance, remember to change them.
Check your low engine
If you have distinguished the area of source of the Kia Optima clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the causes. In both circumstances, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two repairs are very complex and most mechanics will encourage you to swap the engine of your Kia Optima.
Combustion problem
Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on Kia Optima is connected to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible origins of it. Check the state of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is plausible that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine components to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic trigger, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are destroyed. In this circumstance, do not hesitate to check this document which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on Kia Optima.
I listen to a clicking noise on Kia Optima in my direction
Check the state of the gimbals
One of the most regular reasons of a clicking noises in the direction of your Kia Optima is related to the direction of the vehicle. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can make a ticking type of sound when you approach the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will affect the cardan shaft very quickly and must be replaced in a short time, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be replaced. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on Kia Optima, do not hesitate to consult this complete guide.
Check the rest of your direction
Finally, when you detect a clicking noise on your Kia Optima, it is plausible that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the circumstance, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.
I listen to a clicking noise on Kia Optima coming from my suspensions
Check the suspension
If you encounter a clicking noise on your Kia Optima once you pass a speed bump, it is really plausible that your suspension block is the induce of the sound. In fact, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are outdated, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its task and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To check if this is the problem that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, focus on the sound originating from your front axle when ever you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them quickly as this may affect other parts and require more expensive repairs.
Check spring and cylinder
If you notice a clicking noise on your Kia Optima at the suspension level, it is widely plausible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a reason. To check the state of the spring, place the car on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are similar on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also check between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it suggests that that most likely your springs are worn, if you discover a leak go a little further in the article to have the solution to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, ensure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should consider replacing it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on Kia Optima than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.
