Rattling noises

1998 DODGE RAM

BIGDREW08

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Whenever I start up my truck, there is a rattling sound. It also makes that same sound when I apply the gas. I have heard it might be the heat shield, around the catalytic converter, might be loose. So do you have ideas or recommendations on what is making this annoying rattling sound.

Sep 6, 2010 at 7:11 PM

KASEKENNY

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
18,907 POSTS

You are on the right path. This is most likely an exhaust issue. It could be a heat shield or even the converter coming apart so we need to test this a couple ways.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/rattle-noise

First the easiest is to take a rubber hammer and tap the exhaust all the way up and down to try and find anything loose.

Next we need to test the converter. Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

I suspect this is a converter issue so I attached the process below from the manual on how to replace the converter. Please let us know if you have questions on this. Thanks

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Jul 15, 2021 at 8:18 AM