clicking noise

[wiener]

I have a new base Matrix w/automatic trans. When I put the car in drive, I sometimes hear a clicking noise coming from the front end. It sounds like it's coming from the engine area. I also hear the same noise when I put the car in reverse and I also hear it when taking off from a stop. Has anyone else dealt with this problem? If so please advise. I've taken the car to the dealer and have not gotten anywhere. The dealer heard the noise but didn't know where it was coming from and said he couldn't do anything until there was a bulletin posted on the problem. I have another appointment next week with a different service dept. I hope atleast they will try to diagnose the problem. Will keep you up to date.

[NSimkins]

The following thread already discussed here should help you out:Automatic transmission drive engagement noise and engine vibrationhttp://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=445Particularly this post in the thread to be precise:quote:from Robovibe:I had it done at McNamara Pontiac in Orlando FL. on 5/4/02. My paper work states " Lubed lower ball joint" have no idea what it is, but it stopped the popping/clunking noise when going from reverse to drive and vice-a-versa. It also stopped it from when you step on the gas from a stop. If you want to talk to the service dept at McNamara the number is: 407-849-0610. Best of luck!

[vibb]

Hi Wiener/NSimkins:There have been many posts by Matrix and Vibe owners on this and other sites re: clanking or clicking noises.Here is a summary of multiple Vibe/Matrix website posts and calls to Toyota and Pontiac dealers who have dealt with it.(1) The noise is a clank during gear engagement, or a click during acceleration.(2) Only FWD automatic transmission Matrix/Vibe owners have noticed these noises.(3) Matrix owners are being told that the noise will go away by itself.(4) Vibe owners are being told that GM is aware of this and that there isno need to do anything.(5) Robovibe's dealer corrected the problem on all FWD Vibe automatics coming in BEFORE any were sold, by using a syringe to inject grease (3 shots) into the lower ball joints. (This dealer seems to be a good example of how every dealer should prep a new car!)(6) Other posts seem to report other symptoms that point to ball joint condition being an issue. (ie. brake pedal sinking/mushy feel, car pulls to right)(7) I have three questions for all Vibe/Matrix owners: Question 1: If Matrix owners confirmed that the noise goes away by itself after a few thousand miles, but in the meantime has insufficient grease in the ball joints, why does the noise go away instead of getting worse? Question 2: The clank sounds like a metal to metal sound, so if it is dry ball joints, won't this cause rapid wear and a safety issue if it is not fixed from day one?Open this link below and listen to the noise yourself at: http://www.netrover.com/~tkwt/toms_stuf ... nk_dnr.wav Question 3: The ball joints are the same for both automatics and manual transmission Vibes/Matrixes. If the more abrupt forces during an automatic gear engagement make it easier to hear the noise, does this mean that all manual transmission Vibes/Matrixes should also have their ball joints inspected for adequate lubricant even if they don't hear the clank?Below is a picture of the driver's side Vibe ball joint.
[Modified by vibb, 8:43 AM 9/9/2002]

[NovaResource]

My base, auto Vibe made a clank noise for about 2 days and then went away. I searched for the noise and could not find it and it went away too fast for further investigation.My opinion is that it was not the ball joints. There is nothing in a new ball joint that would clank. If a ball joint was unlubed it would just wear faster. No noise until it was well worn.