Engine rattle

NOBLJOS74

MEMBER
2011 GMC ACADIA
3.6L
4WD
AUTOMATIC
127,000 MILES

I had an engine rattle. I took the vehicle to the shop. They called me later and stated that I needed new engine. When I asked the service rep what the issue was, he stated that he did not take the engine apart, but stated that he was "pretty sure it was a bad cam bearing." He told me a new engine would be $8,000.00 and that the reason that they did not take the engine apart was because it would cost more. I think this it total BS, especially if they cannot even say 100% what the issue exactly is. I want to demand that they find out the exact problem, and if it can be fixed vs paying $8,000.00 for a new engine. Thoughts?

7 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny.

Is there a chance you can use your phone to make a video of the engine sound and upload it here? We would like to help diagnose the sound for you. I have attached a tutorial for you to view in the meantime. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/vibration-noise

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Sunday, October 7th, 2018 AT 2:20 PM

NOBLJOS74

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Danny,

I cannot as my vehicle is still at the shop, but it sounded like something slapping. The sound becomes faster and louder when accelerating.

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Sunday, October 7th, 2018 AT 2:28 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

It could be a bunch of different things without me hearing the sound. That is why I asked to make the video for us. It is going to be hard to diagnose without hearing. If you have a chance to visit the shop and make a video that would really help us out. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

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Sunday, October 7th, 2018 AT 2:47 PM

NOBLJOS74

MEMBER
4 POSTS

My biggest question is, do you think it is fair of me to want them to actually find out what the issue instead of them being pretty sure it is a cam bearing? I get the feeling they just are telling me I need a new engine because it will be easy for them and give them more money.

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Sunday, October 7th, 2018 AT 2:51 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Yes, I do agree with you in wanting to know exactly what is wrong. They can "say" it is a cam bearing but it could be something entirely different once the engine was disassembled. It could also be something simple in the valve-train components that would not necessarily even require the engine to come out of vehicle. I understand your frustration. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-