Hi folks,

I would appreciate some input or help from the members.

I have a 2006 RL with 140 k miles on it. I've been hearing a rattling noise from under the car, probably from the engine. Its there all the time as soon as the engine starts. Its not too loud or annoying but its something I didnt hear a while back. Dont think it changes with acceleration but becomes clear when idle. I am guilty of ignoring it for some time (may be months or more). Finally I took it to a reliable mechanic (not dealer). When I explained to him about the noise, he thought it would be the heat shield. But after checking he said, its definitely coming from the engine but cannot say from where what he could see from outside. He said the engine has to be opened and thats a time consuming and labor intensive work with no guarantees if the problem would be solved. He said I could just drive and see if its any worse or bring it to him for further diagnostics. He also mentioned that with a car this old and miles, I may want to think about trading it while I still have something running. I bought this car with 65 k miles on it 4 years ago and just have a year of payment left. I was looking forward to no payments every month soon. Timing belt was changed around 100k and have been getting the fluids changes regularly.

Thoughts ? suggestions ?
thanks

JD

 

Have you checked the heat shields around the cat yet????

 

Yes. It wasn't the heat shield. Thanks

 

Without a better description of the noise I can't really help more. I would try to figure out where the noise is coming from. It could be the power steering pump, a/c compressor, or the alternator. If it is none of those and the sound is coming from inside the engine then you will need to investigate that further.

 

beekermartin is right, without a better description, we're just taking shots in the dark.

Record a video and post it.

 

for another thrown rod.

 

^ That's where my bet is.

 

I made a couple of videos. Trying to upload. Image upload option does not allow to upload the videos. Dont see the video upload option or icon. How do I upload it ?
the sound is present when engine starts and there between 1-2 k rpm but disappears above 2k rpm.

 

youtube or photobucket

 

links for the videos. thanks !

 

I would look down past the covers to make sure nothing is loose or leaking.

Then I would prepare to shop for used cars.

 

Thanks for the input. Why do you say that ? Its a possibility that has crossed my mind but just wanted to see what you saw or heard that made you give this terminal verdict? Even before I heard this noise, the car was coming close to 135 k miles and I had posted a thread about how long I should keep it before selling or trading. Most people were of the opinion that will regular oil changes, it should last 200k-300k.

 

because what I think I hear is a loose internal component.

If I am correct, that loose component is beating up the inside of your engine at the tune of 2000 revolutions per minute.

 

If you could post a video of it at idle and then rev the motor I might be able to help more.

 

Beekarmartin: the videos are posted in that order. The rattling is less or gone above 2k rpm. During drive it comes while the gear is changing but only for a brief moment.

 

Has it had the timing belt service?
When was the last oil change?

 

If it actually is a loose internal part the rattling doesn't go away above 2K RPM, you just can't tell that it's there anymore, which is more dangerous IMO.

 

Hey JD2006RL ,


I have a 2006 TL with 152K miles. I just had to replace my front and side motor mount. I've listened to the noise and its sounds similar to the noises my car was making, however it was only heard while in park and in reverse. While driving the grumbling noise went away, but would make what I would call a popping noise, which my boyfriend initially thought was similar to the noise made when shock/struts are needed. In my experience, the noise got worse over time. I'm by far no car expert, and would definitely say I'm a beginner, just thought I would share my experience. Good luck

 

That sounds terrible. Assuming your first mechanic was worth even half a damn, I would say you have a seriously damaged engine. I say that because I would hope he ruled out a fan hitting something or another serpentine belt driven component getting destroyed. If you are lucky, I suppose it could be a pulley that broke loose and is jumping around, but I don't know if that's possible. What are the chances it's really bad gas causing engine knock? Can engine knock be that loud?

All my other guesses would be in the cylinder(s), but to be honest, I am not savy with engine problems.

How does the car drive? And loss of performance or misfires? It really sounds to me like a mower with a blade hitting the guard which could only be replicated by the radiator or A/C condenser fans hitting something.

 

.

 

thanks brah... phone surfing is a biotch.

 

Did I miss the memo where they made the dog man a moderator

But seriously, congrats!