Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm hoping that somebody can help me on this one.
Could a water pump make a knocking noise, but only for a minute during a cold start? I've got a 2007 Base Model PT with 2.4L NA engine with 88,000 miles.
The first time I start the car in the morning, I hear a very light knocking noise (my wife probably wouldn't even notice it). It only lasts for about a minute and then it's gone. It will do it again if I let the car sit for a while, maybe 5 hours or so. The weather around here is 20 - 40 degrees F.
I have changed the oil every 2-1/2 to 3 months (about 3,000 miles) using semi-synthetic 5W-30 oil. I've used Castrol GTX, Valvoline, Penzoil during this period. I only recall hearing this noise over this winter, about 2 - 3 months maybe.
I know the water pump, timing belt, etc. are due around 100,000 miles. I was hoping to get them done next year, since I'll be around 100,000 miles. I also need shocks, structs and possibly tires, but don't really have the money for all of it. Just did thermostat, thermostat housing, upper and lower motor mounts, both control arms, ball joints and sway bar bushings.
