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Noises

Rattling noise from under the car

Rattles are located by loading and tapping components with the car on a lift, because a loose shield can sound exactly like something far more serious.

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Symptoms drivers describe

  • Rattle or buzz at certain engine speeds
  • Tinny noise over rough surfaces
  • Noise that changes when the exhaust is warm
  • Rattle that disappears when accelerating

Possible causes

  • Loose or corroded exhaust heat shields
  • Perished exhaust mountings or a broken bracket
  • A failed catalytic converter or DPF internal breaking up
  • Worn suspension links or bushes
  • A loose undertray or splash guard

What you can do

  • Note the speed or revs where it happens
  • Mention whether it is worse cold or hot
  • Have it identified before assuming an expensive exhaust component

How we check it in the workshop

We inspect the exhaust, shields, mountings and suspension on the lift and reproduce the noise before recommending any work.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Usually not urgent, though a broken exhaust component can affect emissions and noise levels.

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Noises

Other symptoms in this group

Humming or droning noise that changes with speedNoises that follow road speed rather than engine speed usually come from wheels, bearings or tyres. Whether it changes on a bend is the key test.Read more Clicking or knocking noise when turningA click that appears on lock and speeds up as the wheels turn faster is typically driveshaft related rather than a suspension knock.Read more Rattling noise on start-up that goes awayA short rattle from cold that clears once oil pressure builds is a common early warning. Ignoring it can turn a chain job into an engine job.Read more Whining noise when acceleratingThe useful question is whether the whine follows engine revs or road speed, because that separates belt and turbo noises from gearbox and differential noises.Read more Wheel bearing noise: what it sounds likeBearing noise follows road speed, not engine speed, and typically changes as weight moves across the car on a bend.Read more Exhaust blowing noiseA blowing exhaust changes the sound of the car and can affect emissions readings and sensor behaviour as well as noise.Read more

Want this looked at properly?

Send us your registration and describe the symptoms — we will tell you what the next step is.

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