2001 Dodge Intrepid it makes a clicky noise only when sitti

VALBOB

MEMBER
2001 DODGE INTREPID
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
131 MILES

My husband thought it was the pin that was holding the ac filter in and we replaced it. BUt it still rattles. I bought it used 2 weeks ago. It just started the noise. It doesnt sound like anything big. ALso how do I know if I have shocks or struts? My husband thinks whichever I have they are out because almost everytime I hit a bump it makes a banging noise. But not always

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

It is almost impossible to diagnose a rattle online. You have to get another set of ears with you while the engine is running, and try to determine where the noise is coming from. Listen to it with both hood up and hood locked, see if it makes a different.

As for your suspension, you have strut assembly at all four corners. Just because the car makes "banging" noise, it does not necessarily mean the struts are bad. The easiest way (well, for me anyway) to check if you have bad strut is to drive about 60 mph on the freeway and have someone follow you. Ask the follower to check if the car keeps "bouncing", either the front or the back of the car keeps bouncing going up and down continuously. (It should not do that), if it does, then replace your struts. If it doesn't, then find another unit to blame.

In your case, I would check wear and tear or damage to your sway bar bushings or link kits, or your engine mounts.