I have a 2002 impala 3400 motor. Well recently whenever the motor is warmed up I hear a quiet but steady ticking noise. It's faint enough that I can only hear it with the windows down and radio off but it's there. It also only happens when the car is moving slow but once I pick up speed it seems to dissapear or maybe I just can't hear it anymore due to the motor overpowering it.

Thanks in advance.

 

that would most likely be rocker arms. i got the same thing. the stock ones just wear a little bit and tick. what you could do is next oil change put some oil treatment in and it could just be sticky lifters. but next time put your ear to the valve covers and ill be you hear it. if not i have no other idea hehe.

 

Well turned out to be a cracked transmission housing. Thank god for the warranty considering I was quoted at 3grand for the job. I'm still pondering how it could have happened.