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Why does my car clunk when accelerating?

My 2016 Nissan Sentra has 45,000 miles on it. I take it in for regular maintenance. Lately, I have noticed a clunk when accelerating. As soon as I step on the gas, I hear a clunk sound from my engine as I take off. What would make a car clunk when accelerating?

avatar
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unexpected noise from your engine
can be really stressful—fortunately, this one may be an easy fix.
If you hear a clunk when accelerating, worn engine mounts are your most likely culprit. An engine mount usually lasts five to seven years and costs around $500 to replace.
Your engine mounts have bolts that can loosen or rubber parts that wear out. In either of these cases, you are likely to hear a clunk when accelerating. Here is how to see if your engine mount is the problem:
  • Pop the hood
    and watch your engine.
  • Have someone start the car, set the emergency brake, and use their left foot to engage the brake pedal.
  • Put the car in gear and tap the gas pedal with the right foot, keeping both brakes engaged.
  • If your engine lifts three to five inches with acceleration, your front engine mount is bad.
  • Put the car in reverse and follow the same process to check the rear mount.
Once you’ve identified the problem, it is best to have the work done by a mechanic unless you have access to at least two hydraulic jacks to support your engine. Either way, get repairs done as soon as possible. Compromised mounts can lead to misalignment, engine damage, and even losing parts as you drive down the road!
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