DIAGNOSTIC HELP! 2014 Kia Sorento V6 3.3L Engine Causing This Thumping or Rattling Sound?

2014 KIA SORENTO
165,000 MILES • 3.3L • AUTOMATIC
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AMITHKUMARG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I’m trying to diagnose this metallic thumping/rattling engine noise on a 2014 Kia Sorento V6 3.3L and would really appreciate some advice.

The vehicle previously had a P0018 timing correlation code, which is fairly common on these engines. I found a damaged dowel/connecting pin issue with the Bank 2 intake VVT/CVVT camshaft sprocket, so I replaced the sprocket.

After the repair, the vehicle ran perfectly for approximately 1,500 miles with no unusual noise or timing codes. All codes got cleared.

Then, while driving on the highway, I suddenly felt what seemed like something gave away, immediately followed by a metallic rattling noise from the engine. I shut the engine off immediately and had the vehicle towed to my garage.

I have now removed the valve covers and timing cover to investigate.

What I have found so far:

- Timing still appears to be correct.
- All timing components appear to be solid and in place.
- Nothing is obviously broken or loose visually.
- I cannot reproduce the noise (or maybe it's too subtle to notice) by manually rotating the crankshaft.
- I found silver/aluminum-looking metallic flakes/shavings in the engine oil pan, which obviously concerns me.
- I jumped the starter relay so I could crank the engine and see if I could reproduce the noise
- Now with everything off, it feels more like a thumping noise and definitely seems to be coming from Bank 2.

Attaching a video of the noise while the engine is being cranked.

Could this be related to the Bank 2 intake CVVT/VVT sprocket that I recently replaced? It's an OEM genuine dealer-bought part. Could a CVVT/phaser have an internal failure? Anything else I could check to diagnose where this noise is coming from?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Video (Click to enlarge)
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Sep 17, 2026 at 2:21 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,327 POSTS
OK you replaced only the one sprocket? If so the noise is likely due to that. When you replace timing components that are chain drive you need to replace all of the components unless they are very low hours (like under 50 hours or 1000 miles) that is because the chains and sprockets will wear together and the chain pins wear as well. That gives you what is commonly referred to as "chain stretch" It is really just wear in all the parts that new parts won't have. The problem is that the chain being "stretched" doesn't operate properly on the unworn sprocket and can actually end up out of time because the chain links can bridge sprocket teeth. What I would do is first do a leak down test of each cylinder, just to be sure there is no issue with the valves seating. Then if it tests OK, do a full timing set, guides and tensioner as well as all new sprockets. The metal could be the guides or from the chain on the sprocket, hard to say. If it sticks to a magnet it is more likely the chain and sprockets.

As for could the new part fail, yes, a LOT of aftermarket parts are very questionable quality these days. I've seen some fail taking them out of the box!
Sep 17, 2026 at 3:56 AM
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