Car clicks when accelerating

2013 KIA RIO
55,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WALLY AB
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Bought this car a few months ago. It clicks, usually passenger side front when I accelerate. I visually checked it a few times. It does not happen when you turn but accelerating going straight.

Afterwards I took it to the dealer, and they stated there was nothing wrong with it. They stated that three of my tires was off balance and one rim was warped. I swapped out my winter tires twice since owning the car, and the tire shop never said anything, and balanced them again the second time.

They said they checked the axle shafts, suspension and motor mounts and they are all fine, but I am hesitant to believe them.

On the work order, it stated the recommended a timing belt change a 90,000 km but my car does not even have a timing belt.

I still have my warranty until August or 100,000.
Jun 14, 2018 at 6:59 PM
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STEVE W.
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You are correct in that you have a timing chain, not a belt and at that mileage I would not worry just yet.
Clicking on that particular engine can be normal. It has the high pressure fuel system with direct injection and some are rather loud, they sound like a small diesel when you hit the gas. However, it could be something else like sticking tappets or carbon build up causing and issue. What you may want to do is get a second opinion from a different shop that has worked on them before.

Hearing it in person would be a big advantage. If you have a way to record the sound and upload a clip, it might help.

Jun 15, 2018 at 1:24 AM
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WALLY AB
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The car never makes that sound in park or neutral. It is always when accelerating in gear.
Jun 15, 2018 at 7:49 PM
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STEVE W.
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Right, the ticking could still be as a result of the GDI as it will change pressures as engine load increases. Without actually hearing it I cannot say for sure. Only that I have driven a few direct injected cars and they do make noise under load. Hearing it in person would help which is why I suggested a second shop hear it. There are multiple items that could tick, like an inner axle joint or a bad accessory drive pulley. The accessory pulley should not be the issue as it would happen all the time. The inner joint would usually also tick while turning. As would an internal transmission issue. It is even possible it could be something like a loose sway bar link. Straight ahead it could move a bit but while turning it would be under load and quiet. For that you would also hear it when at steady speed and hitting small bumps.

Jun 16, 2018 at 1:03 AM
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WALLY AB
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Thank you for replying. I jacked it up and accelerated on both ends. Could not hear anything, but ABS and TC kicking in. Lights went off after driving it after ten yards. I could not find anything out of place, but the inner CV axle looks like it has some play.
Jun 16, 2018 at 2:45 PM
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STEVE W.
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The inner joint should slide in/out in the tripot joint. That is how it compensates for suspension motion. However, it should be smooth and only have slight play if you try to rotate it. The outer should rotate smooth but not move in/out.
They can click when worn but usually they will click all the time.
If you can record the noise and upload it here it could help.
Jun 17, 2018 at 1:57 PM