I've noticed just recently a "ticking" noise that seems to be coming from the middle of the undercarriage of the car. It only occurs after the car has been in motion, and it isn't all the time. The sound is comparable to what parts make while cooling down. What is different is it starts like a "tick" a second, then slowly speeds up. Imagine one of those contraptions with the three metal balls on a string. You pull one back and then release it. It hits the middle ball, which propels the other outer ball out. This will continue until the inertia is slowed. Mine sounds about like that, but instead of slowing down, it speeds up then disappears. There is a definite metallic sound to it. This can occur with or without the car running, and it is always after the car comes to a stop after being in motion for a while. Any ideas?

 

A heat shield needs adjustment?

There are TSBs; check the 3G garage on heat shields too.

 

Interesting theory. Thanks. I'll look that up. Anyone else want to add to this?

 

heat shield or 3rd cat.. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

i've noticed this a little bit too on my car after i shut it off. seems like i can hear it most when i put my ear up to the right exhaust tip.

 

It wasn't much of a concern... just sounded odd top me. Thanks for everyone's input!

 

I had the same problem and took it to a friend and he threw up on a lift and discovered that it was the front lower control arm.

 

I had the same problem and took it to a friend and he threw up on a lift and discovered that it was the front lower control arm. I would recommend checking that when you have it at the dealer or on a lift.

 

Interesting... So this is something that you heard after the car was parked and shut down? I can't hear it from the cockpit, but it's noticable for up to a minute after I'm out of the car. And it's intermittant. I haven't heard it in a few days. I know I'm going to need to pay closer attention to the CV boots and the undercarriage in general since I'm dropped a bit, but I would be surprised if the lower control arm was the culprit. Thanks for the insight.