1998 Dodge Dakota Rattling noise

Tiny
MJWILLERT2
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 95,000 MILES
Rattling noise coming from under truck, not sure exactly where. At first I thought it was in the exhaust system but after laying on the ground, listening to the noise and wiggling the exhaust pipes it doesn't appear that is where the noise is coming from. I now think it may be a broken motor mount, but I do not know for sure. The noise seems to come and go but sometimes you cannot even hear it and other times is more noticeable.
Wednesday, August 28th, 2013 AT 1:52 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
First, take a rubber mallet to the exhaust system and tap on it. You could have a muffler or catalytic converter that has come apart inside. You can't see the problem, but it will rattle and drive you crazy. As far as the broken motor mount, usually you will get a clunk from that and not a rattle. If you still feel the motor mount could be the issue, do the following:

You will need a helper.

Place the truck on a flat surface and place the parking brake on. Next, open the hood and have a helper start the engine. After that, have the helper first place the vehicle in drive. Making sure the helper holds firmly on the brake, have him give the engine a little throttle. At that time, you watch the engine to see if it is lifting excessively. It should move an inch or so, but if it is more than that, chances are you do have a broken motor mount. NOTE: Do the same thing in reverse to see if the other side of the engine lifts excessively.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 28th, 2013 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
MJWILLERT2
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
After tapping on the exhaust system with a rubber mallet it appears my muffler needs to be replaced. The rattling, kind of rolling noise seems to coming from the muffler and the muffler has some small exterior holes in it. After I replace the muffler, I will e mail you again to let you know if this fixed my problem. Thank you for your help.

Mike
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Thursday, August 29th, 2013 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Mike:

I hope that is the problem. At least it is an easy fix. If you heard noise from the muffler when you tapped on it, chances are the internal parts of it are loose. Keep in touch so I know if that was the issue.

Joe
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Thursday, August 29th, 2013 AT 6:40 PM

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