PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Why does my car clunk when accelerating?
My 2016 Nissan Sentra has 45,000 miles on it. I take it in for regular maintenance. Lately, I have noticed a clunk when accelerating. As soon as I step on the gas, I hear a clunk sound from my engine as I take off. What would make a car clunk when accelerating?
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unexpected noise from your engine
can be really stressful—fortunately, this one may be an easy fix. If you hear a clunk when accelerating, worn engine mounts are your most likely culprit. An engine mount usually lasts five to seven years and costs around $500 to replace.
Your engine mounts have bolts that can loosen or rubber parts that wear out. In either of these cases, you are likely to hear a clunk when accelerating. Here is how to see if your engine mount is the problem:
- Pop the hoodand watch your engine.
- Have someone start the car, set the emergency brake, and use their left foot to engage the brake pedal.
- Put the car in gear and tap the gas pedal with the right foot, keeping both brakes engaged.
- If your engine lifts three to five inches with acceleration, your front engine mount is bad.
- Put the car in reverse and follow the same process to check the rear mount.
Once you’ve identified the problem, it is best to have the work done by a mechanic unless you have access to at least two hydraulic jacks to support your engine. Either way, get repairs done as soon as possible. Compromised mounts can lead to misalignment, engine damage, and even losing parts as you drive down the road!
Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a
car insurance
policy that is customized for you.After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies