Okay, yes I'm one of girls so take it easy on me here. My car was stolen and put through a a ditch. I got the front bumper replaced, but when I got it back from the body shop I noticed that there was a loud knocking when I started my car. (Sounds like it's low on oil, but oil level is fine.)When it's driven after a long time ( 4+ hours)when it's especailly loud, but can hear it sometimes when you've been driving it a while. I had it at the same shop twice. They hooked it up to the computer and found nothing. And of course they didn't hear anything. Now it sounds like an air compressor starting up when I shift and take off. Also notice when I shift from reverse to drive or park to reverse afterpushing the gas. I'm taking it to another shop today, but does anyone have a clue what is causing this? I need to get it fixed ASAP so they don't close my insurance claim. Is it possible that the motor or transmission mounts being loose or broken would cause this. I'm thinking transmission because of the sound when shifting. When it was wrecked it smashed the whole front up and needed a whole new bumper. Not sure if it bottomed out good when she hit the ditch though. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

I guess I should also add that it's a 2001 Stratus 2.6L V6. It does have 120,000 miles. Also have rear ball joint on the upper A frame that needs replaced. Would this have also been caused by taking it through a ditch?

 

http://www.ky-escaper.com/dakota/noise.wav I stole this from someone else's post, but this is the knocking sound that I hear in the am as well. Not the louder newer one though. Hope you don't mind my borrowing this!!

 

sounds to me off hte get go that you might have a weak oil pump.. thats def . an engine knock if thats the sound you hear.. check your oil pan make sure its not damaged.. if it is .. it could most def. be the oil pump as i believe its in there.. best way to tell if mounts are shot is to start it up.. have someone rev it and watch the engine see how much it moves.. if it moves more than say.. an inch.. good chance they are shot..