Q: Front end rattling noise in 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

asked by on April 11, 2016

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES with the rattling noise on the front end when I go on bumpy roads. I replaced shafts, bushings and end links that were worn out. Control arms are fine. What else can I check?

When you get rattling, there are so many possible causes for the rattle. Watch my older video “finding the source of car noises.” I’ve got this cool device that you can get on eBay, used for 50- 80 bucks. It has a receiver and four transmitter units.

What it does is clamp it on different areas and when you drive, you wear headphones, and you push the numbers, and when you get the noise alarm you know where the noise is coming from.

That’s what I advise you to do because you’ve changed most of the major parts, but there are still other things like transmission mounts and motor mounts.

You’ve said that you set the strut mounts, but there are bolt joints, and all kind of things there that can make noise. If you jack it up and pull it in the tires and you cannot feel anything wearing, then you’d want someone with one of those machines like I have to go through and actually listen while he drives down the road to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from. If you need help with this, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home office to diagnose your car’s rattling noise.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What if I think the Passenger Air Bag Off Light is incorrect?
If you think that the Passenger Air Bag Off Light is turned on when it shouldn’t be, there could be a number of different reasons. Assuming that the person in the passenger front seat is adult sized and sitting in...
After disc brake replacement, brakes rattle
Hello. It sounds like it needs new anti-rattle clips. These clips hold the brake pads in place and should be replaced at every brake job. It may also need new caliper slides (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-brake-caliper) if they are not tight. It is...
Car won't pass smog due to computer code P0420 - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
This code is related to the catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement). As you may know, the catalytic converter is a section of your exhaust system that helps to complete the combustion process when excess unburnt fuel gases pass through the exhaust. Due...
Won't start after fueling - 2008 Kia Rio5
Check for spark at the plugs when this occurs. If there is no spark, check for a bad crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) (heat failure), and also for a failed connection between your ignition key, which is part of the electronic...
Grinding/ ticking / rattling noise from under front of car and heater not working.
Hi there. To pinpoint this issue I would definitely start by getting under the car to try and find the location of the noise. Most of the time this is caused by a failure in the air conditioning compressor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-compressor-replacement)...
Replacing engine mounts
There are at least 4 replaceable mounts on this vehicle covering the engine and transmission. The part numbers vary depending on whether you have a manual or automatic transmission. If you are replacing motor mounts the preferred parts source is...
The interior lights flash when you press the brakes
Hi there. It really depends on what the source of the electrical glitch is; which will determine the repairs needed. I'd wager that the issue is an electrical fault with the brake switch that is causing this. However, since you...
Audio fuse keeps blowing after multiple attempts to change it.
Hello, thank you for writing in. When you jump-started the vehicle, you may have done damage to the radio. The radio itself may be continuously blowing the fuse as it is trying to turn on. You may want to try...
2012 nissan Altima and it won't start but battery is good, Do you know which fuse I need to replace for the car to start again?
If the engine is cranking relatively rapidly, then the battery is probably OK, but strictly speaking the only way to tell if a battery is really "good" is to perform a load test (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection). There are many fuses (not to...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
If If you’re looking for an SUV, but don’t need much space or off-road capabilities, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just might be the ticket. With it’s stand-out appearance that is sure to be noticed, it provides the features and...
How Long Does a Strut Assembly Last?
Most Most modern cars on the road today use a combination of shocks and struts in the suspension system. Struts are used on the rear, while each front wheel is equipped with a strut assembly. Struts and shocks are pretty...
How Long Does a Shock Absorber Last?
Your Your car has a suspension system that provides dampening of shocks and jarring while driving on the road. The suspension also helps improve vehicle handling. There are many different types of suspension systems out there, but the most common...