Rattling sound from front axle.

I can hear a rattling sound issuing from the front axle.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
A rattling sound from under the car could be a loose heat shield. But then again, it could be many other things. I suggest having a certified technician, such as one from YouMechanic, inspect your vehicle firsthand.

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The rattling noise means that something isn`t right with the way your wheels are attached to the car. For example, a lug nut may have come loose and started rattling as the wheel turned around. Have your tires and wheels checked as soon as possible.
Axle Issues

Shaking can occur if one of the axles is bent or dented. This could have occurred during a recent car accident. If you have an axle problem, you will notice that vibrations increase as you accelerate. You will also want to check on the CV joints and driveshaft.

The sound is a rattle that is heard just after the engine is started. The technical background on this issue is that the timing chain tension has lost its ability to keep the tension and the slack causes the rattle in the engine. Thus, the timing chain may jump, causing the engine not to start.
The most common reasons a Volkswagen Passat has a rattling noise are the ball joints, struts or strut mount, or a problem with the sway bar links.
Key Takeaway Rattling noises when accelerating can be caused by a number of issues, including damaged or worn-out suspension components, bad wheel bearings, low transmission fluid, loose heat shields, and faulty engine components.
The most common and most easily identifiable symptom of a bad wheel bearing is an audible one. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel or tire, take note that this is very likely caused by a bad wheel bearing—especially if the noise gets louder as the vehicle accelerates.
When your CV joints are not well-lubricated, the friction increases, preventing your CV axle from freely rotating. If your CV joints are not adequately lubricated, they may make noise when the axle begins to turn.
As the cv joint wears down, it becomes less able to absorb shock and vibrations. This can cause the knocking sound, as well as other problems like a vibration when you`re driving. If you`re experiencing any of these symptoms, it`s important to get your cv axle shaft replaced as soon as possible.
A loose center console cover, broken glove box hinge, or even an item resting in the door panel pocket or cup holder can suddenly start rattling at idle. So, if you hear rattling when your car is idling, check carefully around the interior, including the trunk or cargo area.
What does a bad catalytic converter sound like? Often, a clogged catalytic converter sounds like a rattling noise is coming from under your vehicle and engine when you`re starting, idling or driving. Excess heat or damage in the converter can break apart the honeycomb materials, resulting in the rattling noise.
Loud rumbling noise when accelerating might suggest there`s a problem with your exhaust system. There might be a leak somewhere, and the rumbling is the sound of your system working extra hard to manage excess exhaust fumes.
If the sound becomes to annoying for your liking, there is only one thing you can do: replace the turbocharger. A second common noise from the turbocharger is a rattling sound. This type of sound is generated due to metal surfaces bumping into each other.
If the problem is a worn wheel bearing, then you`re hearing a knocking noise because the bearing isn`t rotating as freely as it should. A bad tire can cause a knocking or thumping noise, too. To be more specific: A flat spot in a tire.
“Clicking” Noises When Turning

Though it`s sometimes described as a loud click and sometimes described as a pop, this noise is unmistakable once you hear it. It presents itself when you turn the vehicle, and it`s due to the loose joints of a worn CV axle.

A telltale sign that your vibration may be caused by a faulty CV joint is if you also hear a clicking or clunking noise when turning. Also known as engine mounts, motor mounts hold your car`s engine in place.
If you drive a car with a damaged CV, the joint will deteriorate more, making driving impossible. You`ll be at risk of getting into an accident. In summary, it is advisable to neve drive a vehicle with faulty CV joints.
if they get worn, stuck or out of alignment, a rattling noise may be heard, especially at low rpms.
Interior Car Rattling Noise

Start with the glove box to ensure it is firmly closed and that loose items, such as a pen or screwdriver, are not sliding around while driving. Also rule out rattling in other compartments, such as the center console storage area or within the rear cargo compartment.

DEFINITION. The gas alarm rattle is a hand- operated ratchet device that makes a loud clacking sound when turned rapidly. Soldiers of the British Empire forces used rattles in some instances as alarms to warn others of the presence of chemical weapons.
A fuel pump that`s a little loose can make a lot of noise. If you suspect that this is the reason your fuel pump is making noise, you can see if it`s loose. If it is, tightening it (or reinstalling it) should get rid of the noise.
Odd sounds are a symptom of a bad torque converter

When you begin to hear unusual noises, you should take notice. Rattling is one sound you want to be aware of. If you hear odd rattling sounds when you accelerate, this might be a symptom of a bad torque converter. The same can be true of whirring noises.

A rattling noise usually means that some part of the exhaust system is misaligned. A metallic vibration indicates that something is touching the exhaust pipe itself, or that the exhaust`s mounting or support bracket is loose.
The whoosh noise, also called surge noise, is caused by the compressor working at or near surge conditions. Whoosh noise is a broad frequency band flow noise typically found during throttle tip-in conditions, but sometimes found even at steady state driving conditions.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Rattle sound coming from the front suspension over bumps?
ANSWER : Hi Cory. I watched the video, but it was very difficult to pinpoint a unique rattling sound that wouldn’t possibly be caused by driving on the gravel. In some cases when you drive on rough roads, a rattling sound will not come from a suspension component, but perhaps a loose exhaust bracket or perhaps a loose bushing somewhere. It might be due to a loose motor mount or steering stabilizer bar bushing – but without completing a car is making a noise inspection at your location, it’s really difficult for us to offer any additional advice or ideas.

Rattling sound coming from the front tires
ANSWER : Hi there:

Usually a small rattle while driving slow is caused by a loose component such as strut dust boots and foam insulator, wheel center caps, plastic inner fenders and splash guards that have come loose. In many cases it can also be caused by wheel bearings that are worn, brake pads that are sticking to the rotor or even debris inside a tire. The best way to determine precisely what’s causing this noise is to have a mobile mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, complete a rattling noise inspection at your own location.

A tin metal like rattling sound when I accelerate from a low speed.
ANSWER : Hello. My first inclination would be to say, "torque converter". That is easy to rule in or out as you might be able to get a "free" diagnosis from a transmission shop. I’m not recommending you repair it there but it is not unreasonable to seek advice. The reason for my first inclination is you mention a degradation in acceleration. If the torque converter has an internal fault you could experience poor acceleration along with noise. To rule out obvious simple causes, check the fluid level in the transmission per the instructions in the owner’s manual (follow carefully; otherwise reading will be meaningless). Whether it is the torque converter or another cause (front wheel drive, or engine related for instance), YourMechanic could give you a definitive diagnosis of the rattling sound, after an inspection, and indicate your repair options. Good luck with this.

What is driver side front versus passenger side front? Isn’t an axle replacement the whole axle connecting the two front wheels?
ANSWER : Hi there. Wheel location is determined by imagining you are sitting in the driver seat. Your, and most vehicles today, have 2 axles in the front; certain vehicle still have a solid rear axle housing, but retain 2 individual axles as well. It sounds like you may have bent the strut, lower control arm, ball joint, and/or hub when you hit the curb. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a suspension inspection.

I hear a rattling noise when my truck is parked. But when I drive it the noise stops. It sounds like a metal ball is rattling around.
ANSWER : Often, some exhaust components like heat shields or hangers may rust or become loose and rattle over time and is pretty common for the type of sound you’re describing. If you are not experiencing any drivability concerns, the rattle may be from something small. The best thing to do would be to have an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic take a close look around the vehicle under the conditions that makes the noise the most prominent so the technician may offer a more personal diagnosis.

I have a 2005 Cadillac Escalade Truck that is making a roaring and popping noise from the front end.
ANSWER : Hello. From your description it does sound like you have a failure in the front hub bearings and the cv joints. It is not common for the front differential to have many issues on this vehicle, but I would also check the front suspension as worn out bushings will also cause this clinking noise. A certified mechanic from YourMechanic can come to you to [diagnose what is causing these noises] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clicking-or-popping-sound-is-coming-from-wheels-inspection

Near Constant squealing sound from drive side front wheel.
ANSWER : Hi there. The squealing noise that you are hearing from the wheel is the wheel bearings with no grease in them. I recommend replacing the wheel hub assembly on the driver side front wheel.

If you need further assistance with the squealing noise, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Pong sounds coming from the front end
ANSWER : Hello. The issue you are describing could be the sound of a worn strut, worn strut mount, or noisy axle. There is also a possibility that the sway bar end links are causing the noise. I suggest that you have the vehicle evaluated by a technician, like one from YourMechanic, whom will be able to diagnose the noise and perform any needed repairs.