Why do I hear a rattling noise when I drive?

If the rattling sound sounds like it is coming from underneath your vehicle, you likely are experiencing a problem with your exhaust system. Exhaust system problems include catalytic converter problems, muffler issues or corroded pipe, can sound like light rattling to rocks shaking beneath your car.

Why is my car making a metal rattling sound?

Cause #2 – Damaged Engine Mounts They’re made of rubber and metal, so as you may have guessed, if they’re broken, there’s nothing to stop it from moving around. This means metal on metal contact, which can cause your car to make a rattling noise while accelerating due to the added workload (as well as momentum).

What makes a rattling sound?

Rattle is a sound made by a series of sharp sounds such as chains clanging on metal or a musical instrument or baby’s toy that makes noise when it is shaken. An example of a rattle is the sound made as dishes are unloaded from a dishwasher.

What is the most likely cause of a rattling sound coming from the underside of a vehicle?

If you notice a rattling noise coming from underneath your vehicle, a bit like a box of stones being shaken, this could be a sign that you have a problem with your exhaust system. This sound is often a warning sign of a faulty catalytic converter, and if this is the case, you may need to get a new one.

Can low oil cause rattling?

Low oil pressure can be caused by a failing oil pump but it’s much more likely it’s due to lack of maintenance. If your engine has low oil pressure, engine rattling at idle might be present when the engine gets hot. It’s because the oil is thinner and doesn’t coat parts as well.

How do I fix a rattling noise when I accelerate?

Rattling noises when accelerating can be caused by low fluid levels in the A/T. Open the hood and check the fluid level. If the car is running low on transmission fluid, refill the reservoir to the proper level. After doing this, start the car and take a short test drive to see if the problem goes away.

What does a bad catalytic converter sound like?

Rattling Noises. Your catalytic converter consists of small, honeycomb-shaped components that can cause a rattling sound when broken. If your catalytic converter is broken, this rattling should be loudest when the car starts, and should get worse over time.

Why is the front of my car rattling?

The most common cause of rattling noises from the wheel area being loose or a worn strut mount or the strut coming apart. Aside from the strut, which wouldn’t be typical for a vehicle of this age, you could have a hub cap that is broken or installed incorrectly. Another common failure is a sway bar link.

What would cause a rattling noise when you accelerate?

If you hear a pinging or rattling sound when accelerating, low-octane fuel could be the cause. Pinging (also called pre-ignition or detonation) can also be the result of carbon deposits, a bad knock sensor, overheating or incorrect ignition timing.

What are the signs of a bad catalytic converter?

Among the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter are:

• Sluggish engine performance.
• Reduced acceleration.
• Dark exhaust smoke.
• The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs from the exhaust.
• Excessive heat under the vehicle.

  What does a clogged catalytic converter smell like?

  Over time, the catalytic converter can become overheated, contaminated with gasoline in the exhaust or simply wear out. When this happens, you’re likely to notice a rotten egg, sulphurous smell coming from the exhaust. You may even smell it in the cabin.

  Why does my car’s front end make a rattling noise?

  If the rattling noise is consistent during this test, it could be from a bad strut. With gloves and without pinching your hands, feel the coil spring or the strut itself and feel for the rattling noise vibrating if you can’t hear it.

  Why does my car make a ticking noise when I accelerate?

  If any of the bearings fail they will cause a ticking or screeching noise. Again, the noise is more noticeable on acceleration because the engine spins faster. The pistons can also wear and make noise. The pistons are what move up and down and make the engine spin.

  What does it mean when your car rattles over bumps?

  If you usually hear a rattling noise when driving over bumps, there’s a good chance it could be the sway bar links. Grab the end of the sway bar link with both hands and wiggle it up and down. Listen for a clunking or rattling noise. If you hear a rattling noise, it’s time to replace the sway bar links.

  What causes a rattling noise at the top of the strut?

  With gloves and without pinching your hands, feel the coil spring or the strut itself and feel for the rattling noise vibrating if you can’t hear it. If you feel rattling near the top, it’s probably the strut mount. Strut bushing at the top of the strut With the hood open, gently shake the car and observe the strut mount.