Is your car making those alarming noises, especially when driving slow? Well, you are not alone. Rattling noise from various parts of the car is a malady that has been ailing automobiles for years now.
It could be the engine, the front wheels, or the rear, a rattle noise from any part of the car is an indicator of an underlying defect. The main causes include low oil level, poor fixation of car parts, worn-out brake components, and failing catalytic converters.
Some cars develop the noises so often car owners get used to it-we cannot stress enough on the need to take unusual car noise seriously.
To deal with these car issues however you need an understanding of the causes and the possible solutions.
Contents
1. The Exhaust Hangers And Clamps Might Be Loose
Your car’s exhaust system is highly susceptible to premature deterioration mainly due to its rather high exposure to corrosion. This results in the loosening or failure of the vital components holding the system together.
With the parts hanging loose under the chassis, you can expect rattling any time the engine vibrates. The rattle is usually mild and gets louder as you accelerate. At first, it might not mean much but with time the rattle will become unbearable –you might start avoiding your car.
The most appropriate remedy for loose exhaust components is the replacement of defective hangers. Exhaust hangers cost around $30 but the labor costs might go up to $120. You can also have other exhaust parts checked for underlying issues.
2. A Failing Catalytic Convertor
To lessen the effect car emissions have on the environment. Manufacturers install catalytic converters to cars systems to break down the emissions to less harmful compounds before they enter the atmosphere.
Like any other system in the car, the catalytic converter is not immune to breakdowns. The emission sieving equipment in the converter may fail due among other things overheating and impact. The impact reduces the device to pieces that remain in the convertor and rattle around as the car moves.
The noise sounds more like marbles in a can. Catalytic converters rarely fail but when they do, replacement is easy and quick. You are advised to trace the root cause of the failed converter before installing the new one.
Having a catalytic converter replaced may cost you an important amount because it depends on some key factors, especially your car’s make and model.
3. Defective Heat Shield
Car exhaust systems produce immense heat and there is a need to protect other car parts from this heat. There are multiple layers of protection in the form of heat shields installed around the exhaust system to keep the heat away from the other vital car parts.
The heat shields however tend to corrode pretty fast maybe because of their exposure to mud and water. When this happens, rust eats away the weld joints leaving the parts rattling against other car parts.
In most cases when the damage is mild, mechanics weld back the rusted joints. You might however need to replace the shield if the rust has penetrated deep.
A new heat shield costs $160 while the labor charges depend on the garage you choose.
4. Loose Brake Components
Stopping a car or truck puts immense stress on the braking system. If any part in the system is ill-fitted, a few stops are enough to make it lose. Loose brake components and a vibrating car result in the kind of rattle noises you don’t want to hear.
Your mechanic can install anti-rattle chips to prevent this but if the damage is deep, you might have to get new brake parts. Anti-rattle chips are cheap; they might only charge you for the labor.
5. Low Oil Pressure
If your car makes rattling noises from the engine area, you might want to check the oil level. When the oil pressure falls, the hydraulic valve lifter misbehaves. The rattling might not be loud but a keen ear will notice.
Top up the oil level and fix the leak or burning problem.
6. Piston slap
This mostly affects older vehicles. The piston and cylinder might be so worn out they no longer fit into each other. The sound mostly manifests when the engine is cold and runs down as the temperatures rise.
This problem will not cause much damage to your engine but if you want to stop it you can replace the piston and cylinder. The costs are however high and might not be worth it.
Is It Safe To Drive With Rattling Noise?
A rattling noise from the hood or rear is an indication of underlying problems so, no, you should not tolerate the rattling noises. You however cannot miss your promotion appointment because the exhaust hanger is loose.
Once you understand the causes of the rattling noises, you will have a better grounding to decide whether to drive along or branch out into the nearest repair shop.
Why Is The Front Of My Car Rattling?
Some of the causes of rattling noises in cars manifest in or under the hood. If the front wheel brakes have a loose component, they will rattle until you can’t bear it anymore.
What Causes Rattle Sounds In The Car’s Rear?
The exhaust hanger located at the car’s rear is a common cause of rattling sounds. Its location exposes it to rust and corrosion so it’s no big deal if you replace it twice in less than five years.
Can Low Oil Cause Rattle?
The engine needs lubricating oil to run efficiently. The oil pump drives oil through the engine for lubrication of moving parts. If there are any leaks or overheating, the oil level might fall unexpectedly.
The absence of oil in the system will result in the oil pump sucking in the air into the engine. This can cause rattling sounds if the oil is not replaced in time.
Bottom Line
Rattling sounds on your car can be worrying especially when you can’t tell the cause. The worrying however lessens when you understand the cause and how you can fix the issues. The remedies for rattling noises are many but with an understanding of how car systems operate things get easier.
