Ticking/tapping noise?

Tiny
JR47
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 247,380 MILES
Have a ticking noise that comes and goes. Heard it really well on my way back from work this morning its a rapid ticking/tapping that slows and increases with vehicle speed. It'll do it upon start up and then go away after awhile other times like earlier it'll start after driving for awhile. If it's a lifter tick or exhaust leak how'd you go about finding out which it is. I'll try and get a video later today of it.
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 4:40 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
We need to determine if the noise is engine or driveline related, and when at speed put the vehicle in neutral to see if the noise changes with the engine or stays steady with the vehicle's speed. This will tell us which it is, yes, a video is much needed with noise problems. I can tell you this engine had problems with the cylinder deactivation system, not one of GM better designs. If the engine makes the noise at start up see if the noise is coming from the top or lower part of the engine, this can help confirm the camshaft/lifter failure.
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Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
JR47
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It's definitely coming from the top sounds more from the top right/passenger side. I did put it in neutral at speed and noise changed with the engine rpm. If you still want a video I'll take one after work.
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Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, it seems like the noise is engine related, please upload a video of the noise from under the hood so I can tell for sure what's going on.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
JR47
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  • 114 POSTS
Here's the video it took a good 20 minutes or so of driving for it to start making the noise again.
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 3:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is a bummer, the camshaft and lifters will need be replaced, sorry, this is such a problem they make a OBD2 port dongle to stop the cylinder deactivation to stop this issue, thanks for the video though it helps. I would stop driving the car, you are putting metal throughout the engine.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
JR47
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  • 114 POSTS
That's what I was afraid of. Can I just replace the cam and lifters and get the obd2 dongle or would I be better off buying a dod delete kit? I've been looking at some just in case this was the issue and found that Texas speed and performance has a nice kit they sell.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, there you go, that is what I would do. I always liked suburban's; they are my favorite vehicle. If you need help with the camshaft repair, please start a new thread. Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
JR47
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Alright thanks for the help.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 10:12 AM

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