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Why is My Car Making a Rattling Noise?

Charging the batteries of the elecric motor. Disassembling the battery of an electric vehicle engine

You don’t have to be a mechanic to know that a sudden rattling sound from your vehicle is likely a problem. After you’ve checked for dragging branches and soda cans in your wheel wells you may find yourself dreading the possibilities. Is it my engine? Is it my brakes? Is it my suspension? Now is a good time to take a deep breath and call the experts at Jack Carter Chevrolet. Our certified service team will help you identify the issue and get you safely back on the road in no time. Read on to learn about the three most common reasons behind a rattling engine.

Three Common Reasons for a Rattling Engine

While there are hundreds of possible reasons for a vehicle to rattle, a sound like this coming from under the hood is a good place to start crossing things off the list. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common reasons for a rattling engine.

Low or Burnt Out Oil

While there are hundreds of possible reasons for a vehicle to rattle, a sound like this coming from under the hood is a good place to start crossing things off the list. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common reasons for a rattling engine.

Piston Slap

Vehicles that have a lot of mileage on them are susceptible to worn engine pistons. If the pistons are not perfectly fitted to the cylinders they slide in they will rattle around against the cylinder walls. This can usually be heard when you first start the engine then tapers off once the engine is warmed up, allowing the pistons to expand.

Broken or Loose Timing Belt or Chain

If you can still start the engine and drive with a broken or loose timing belt or chain, then you will definitely hear some rowdy clunking under the hood. These engine components must be taught in order to operate the valve train. If a belt or chain breaks (usually from wear and tear), you will hear it knocking around inside the engine. If a belt or chain has become too loose you’ll have to identify which mechanism built to keep the belt/chain taut has failed. This could be a dampener, hydraulics, or the tensioner itself. You will usually hear the sound increase in intensity as you accelerate and soften when you slow down.

Other Reasons Your Vehicle Might Rattle

As previously mentioned, there are many different reasons for a rattling sound in your vehicle. The best way to begin identifying the issue is to determine where the sound is coming from. Here are a few of the more common reasons for a rattling sound found around various parts of a vehicle.

Engine:

  • Disconnected crank rod (rod knock)
  • Failed water pump
  • Damaged flexplate
  • Bad spark plug

Underneath:

  • Damaged heat shield
  • Damaged brake components
  • Corroded or loose exhaust components
  • Damaged or failing catalytic converter
  • Damaged or worn out suspension components

Inside:

  • Aged/warped dashboard
  • Loose trim
  • Loose fasteners
  • Disjoined compartments

Again, these are just some of the most common offenders of a rattling vehicle. Some of these issues denote costly repairs while others simply require a routine maintenance service. Others may only require 3 minutes of time to clean out all the loose change from your center console compartment!

If you are hearing an annoying or alarming rattling, clanking, or ticking sound coming from any part of your vehicle, don’t wait. Make a service appointment with us at Jack Carter Chevrolet and let our service department team identify the issue so we can repair, replace, or replenish your vehicle in no time. Don’t forget to check out our service and parts specials for great discounts and deals!