The wheel bearing
Noise coming from engine in Oldsmobile Cutlass could be as a result of an oil leak in the rear of your engine. This makes the gears to wear off leading to severe knocking noise.
If the noise is coming from the rear then the bushing is broken.
If it happens right when you are stopping or coming to a slow stop, it is probably your discs cutting into your rear rotors. You need to get them replaced ASAP.
rear differential got lube? rear wheel bearings?
I would think that you have a leak in your exhaust system.
Before I can answer that question, can you describe where the ticking noise is coming from? Front of the vehicle? Rear? Engine? Is it coming from your Wheels? If its coming from the front of the vehicle you might require an oil change. If its coming from the rear of the vehicle it could be your axle. If its coming from your wheels it could be either wheel bearings or a backing plate for your brakes. Does it happen at regular intervals? Are they random and sporadic?
If it has a fuse pull it out and see if your noise is still there.
Could be a bad strut or shock No I have disconnected both rear shocks and knocking noise is still there whilst driving. Seems to be coming from rear. When stationary I can bounce rear of car up and down and hear noise with handbrake on but not with handbrake off. Any ideas?
The first thing to check for a wobbly rear end noise is the wheel bearings. If they are ok, check the brake system for worn or broken parts.
have you checked your car for aliens?
heat/ac actuator