magicman320

Im getting some rattling sounds coming from underneath. Everytime i go over a slight bump there is a nasty rattling sound. There is also a loud click when braking. Just before the car comes to a complete stop i hear a ugly click-click. had a tech put it on a lift. They tapped around the cat and along the exhaust and said its not either cat. they also checked the brakes and said they were fine. What could it be? Please help.
They suggested i start with changing the ball joints first.

RichardM98

As for the rattle over a bump have you ruled out anything loose in the spare tire or first aid/cd changer compartments?

magicman320

Thanks for the reply Richard.
Im sure its definitely not coming from either of those places. Its (Rattling)definitely coming from beneath the car. And the clicks during braking seems to be coming from the front.

rogerbrks

I have a constant rattle from underneath my car as well. Once my car warms up it starts to rattle. It gets louder when I press on the gas. I kneeled down to see if I could notice anything loose. I saw a mess screen hanging and it sounded as if that's where the rattle was coming from.

dsmith

The way to approach any noise like this is to have someone drive the car in an open parking lot to recreate the noise, while you are trying to listen outside of the car. You may need to run beside it, etc. You should be able to narrow it down to a corner of the car. Then do all of the normal suspension and brake visual/mechanical checks.

It will be something specific. You just need to systematically eliminate the possibilities.

Your clicking and rattling may be someone else's clunking and thumping, which makes internet diagnostic tough.

For example, the last time I heard clicking coming to a stop, three of my four lug nuts were loose on one wheel. If you really can't tell, then it just might be a front axle starting to give. Check if the noise changes when making easy or aggressive turns.

ghaffar23

anything that your rattling on the bottom could be the cats going bad. Is it worse when u put on the gas at a stop? Put it in P and give it a little gas. If it sounds like a rattle spray can, it's most def the cats.

IZZY2000

It's mostlikely the Catalycs mine did that when i would be in like a drive threw or something i found out it was the Passanger side catalytic converter and replaced it.

homepukes

Sounds like cats. Mine would rattle at different times but usually at idle or low engine speed.

ejsheltra

Start by going to an Indy that works on MBs. Check the ball joints. They are permanently sealed and cannot be lubed. They will dry out over time. You did not state mileage on the vehicle. Check to unsure all lugs are properly torqued as well. Go for the obvious first. Ball joints purchased from a place like rockauto.com in Chicago are very inexpensive, much less than a dealer or Indy and then just bring them in to have installed. About two hours labor.

zr-1

ive noticed my 1998 e430 makes similar noises....it doesnt make ant sounds in park , or reving it , but once its put into drive it starts the sounds .