2000 Dodge Intrepid knocking

COWBOY_67301

MEMBER
2000 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
173,000 MILES

I am experincing a loud knocking noise from my engine. So I took it to a shop and a guy looked at it and told me it needed a new engine. So I got more input by a few more people and 2 out of the 3 said its the bearings on the bottom of the engine. I think they said a rod bearing is bad. So what I want to know is do I have to pull the engine to replace them cause I was told I have to do that and the engine comes out from the bottom. I figured all I have to do is pull the oil pan off and take them out that way. So whos right and whos wrong? And could it also be that it could have jumped timing? There is no drop in oil pressure and the oil looks good, no leaks, or smoke from the engine infact last time I drove it home from the shop it still ran strong.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

If you have a loud rap at the bottom end, the very least you need is that rod bearing, the problem is once that starts making a rapping noise, the crankshaft journals are also bad, this means you would either need a new crank, or have yours machined, if it's salvagable. And on high mileage cars, it's rare to find it so.