If your engine starts rattling as you accelerate, that’s your cue to visit your trusted mechanic as soon as possible. Unusual noise from under the hood is often a sign that there’s something wrong with your car, which can range from minor issues to serious engine trouble.
What Does a Rattling Sound in the Engine Mean?
A rattle noise in the engine refers to any unusual sounds from the engine whenever you accelerate. It can be a loud and persistent sound or a softer, sporadic noise that comes from under the hood.
Why Does My Car Rattle When I Accelerate?
Hearing a rattling noise while accelerating is never a good sign, which is why it’s important to diagnose the issue as soon as possible. Here are possible causes to consider:
Low Transmission Fluid Level
When transmission fluid is dirty or insufficient, the transmission’s components won’t be properly lubricated. This can cause several parts to grind against each other, causing the transmission to overheat and produce a rattling noise.
Damaged Engine Mount
When an engine mount wears out, which happens over time, it won’t be able to hold the engine as well as before. This can create a rattling sound when the engine shifts and hits other metal components under the hood.
Faulty Torque Converter
When the torque converter’s stator is faulty, it can cause a soft rattling noise when the car is idling. The sound typically gets louder and more persistent when you put the transmission in gear.
Worn Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings typically last 85,000 to 100,000 miles, but poor maintenance and contamination can cause them to wear faster. Damaged wheel bearings create grinding or grating noises that get louder as you speed up.
Bent V-Belt Pulley
When you accelerate, a bent v-belt pulley can wobble around, creating loud vibrations in the engine bay. This is typically caused by normal wear and tear over the years.
Worn Tires
When was the last time you had your tires rotated? Unbalanced tires can create vibrations that sound like unusual rattling when accelerating. If your tires are still in good condition, you can get away with a simple tire rotation. However, if they’re mostly worn out, you’ll have to replace them with a new set.
Cracked Flywheel
Secured by clutch plates, the flywheel connects the engine’s crankshaft to the transmission. It helps transfer power to the wheels while balancing the engine. In some cases, its clutch plates can crack and separate, leading to an imbalance in the engine, which can create vibrations that sound like loud rattling.
Broken Flexplate
In an automatic transmission, the flexplate converts the engine’s energy into a spun energy that the torque converter can send to the gearbox. If it cracks, it can create a rattling or grinding noise from the back of the engine.
How to Fix Rattling Noise When Accelerating
The exact solution will vary depending on the actual culprit behind the strange noise in your engine. However, here are some examples of how to fix engine rattle sounds:
Check for Undercarriage Debris
Sometimes, you might be dealing with something as simple as trapped debris in the undercarriage. Check your vehicle’s undercarriage for things like stones or twigs that got stuck in the undercarriage. When debris gets stuck there, it can hit metal parts and create a rattling sound.
Replace the Faulty Component
You’ll have to shell out some money and replace the faulty component behind the rattling sound in your engine. Getting new wheels or buying a new torque converter might be expensive, but it’s still better than letting the problem get worse.
Refill or Change the Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle is low on transmission fluid, you’ll have to top it off according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. In some cases, you might have to flush the transmission fluid first if it’s dirty before refilling it.
Is It Safe To Drive With Rattling Sound in Engine?
An unusual rattling sound when accelerating is a warning sign you should never ignore. Your vehicle might run with seemingly no issues now, but it’s only a matter of time before things get worse.
These strange noises can be caused by all sorts of engine trouble, which can further damage your vehicle. As soon as you hear a rattling sound, avoid driving your car until you can bring it to a mechanic for a proper repair.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
