Rattling sound when accelerating?

Tiny
TOBYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
When I start the truck and accelerate slowly it sounds good but when I give it a little gas or have to pass someone it rattles out the exhaust. I've already made sure everything is tight and in good working order. I don't know if it could be my engine or something like my catalytic converter going bad.
Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 5:27 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If it sounds like it is under the vehicle, it is likely either a loose heat shield on the exhaust or the internal portion of the catalytic converter is loose.

Try this. Take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust in different places to see if you can recreate the sound. If you have a helper, it will make it easier.

Let me know what you find. Also, here is a link you may find of interest in the interim:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

If it is loud enough for you to record, please do so and upload it for me to hear.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
TOBYM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I had the truck in park and revved the vehicle up to 3,000 RPMs and it never made the rattle sound. It only happens when I'm driving, and the RPMs hit around 2,000 to 2,500 RPMs.
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Thursday, October 27th, 2022 AT 4:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Were you able to check it using a rubber mallet as mentioned above? Also, could you record the sound and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, October 27th, 2022 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
TOBYM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I tapped with a mallet, and nothing rattled. I came to the conclusion that it's because there is no muffler on the truck and think it's just the way the engine/exhaust sounds.
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Friday, October 28th, 2022 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

No muffler? It must be loud. LOL If anything changes or gets worse, let me know and I'll do my best to help you narrow things down.

Take care of yourself and please feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Friday, October 28th, 2022 AT 10:04 PM

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