Celica Forums General Discussion General Noise from engine sounds like metal cooling

I have a 2002 gt, manual. When ever the engine is warm/hot and I stop at a light, I hear a 'clunk' noise 2-5 seconds after coming to the stop. It seems to come from the lower engine area. It happens only when the car is ideling. (not when it is in motion).

The noise happens 2-3 times, (15-30 second intervals), and doesn't happen until the next time I stop. It also happens when I park and turn off the car. As I am walking away I can hear the noise.

Any ideas what it is? I sounds like it might be metal expanding/contracting as it heats-up and cools-down.
thanks!

thats probably what it is i hear my exhaust crackling and expanding after driving my car hard

thanks for the response. It does seem like cooling, but its getting really noticable. is there anyone else experiencing this as well?

i would have to hear it to c what it really is but it could be ur belt tensior if you hear it on the passenger side if not then i don't know