Identifying a rattle

[Drew106]

Hi all,

Hopefully someone can help me with a rattle which is proving hard to identify. Always difficult to describe noises from cars, but let me try my best:

Appears to be coming from under the passenger foot well.
It is intermittent, not rhythmic.
Happens when driving over rough roads.
Almost sounds like something loose clattering - like a 'kat kat kat' every so often.
Driving and road handling does not appear to be effected.
Cannot replicate it by bouncing on the car, so doesn't appear to be suspension related.

So far what I've done is as follows:

Lifted the car onto axle stands and shook the wheels - all seems good.
Had a good look around underneath for anything loose - nothing I could find.
Took both fronts off to inspect - again nothing I can see lose or badly worn (not a mechanic though).

So anyone any ideas?
Car is a 2009 Hyundai i20 1.2 Classic.
I've read online about steering rattles which are a common issue on the i20, but I'm not sure what this should sound like. It doesn't strike me as a steering noise, but failing any other ideas, this could be the cause.

I'm thinking of selling the car soon, so a noise like this would certainly put people off.

Bit of a novel there, sorry! Thanks for reading. Any help appreciated.

Andrew

[Drew106]

Martin350 said:

It's always difficult to diagnose a noise from words rather than hearing it, and even then it can still be difficult sometimes.

My first thoughts would be to check the anti roll bar drop links, the ball joints should be quite stiff to move my hand (you can even disconnect them and drive the car over bumps to see if the noise has gone) and the exhaust heat shields, give them a tap and see if they are loose at any fixing points.

That's where I would start from your description.

Thanks for the reply. Yes always a long shot diagnosing a noise on description!

Thanks for the tips though, some more areas to consider. It is due an MOT shortly, so I'm hoping to get to the bottom of it.

[Drew106]

Thanks for replies everyone.

Sounds like anti-roll bar links are coming up a lot. Also recommended by some guys over on a i20 forum.

How would I test this to make sure before ordering a replacement? Or is it a case of change it and see if it solves it? They are pretty cheap at c. £15 so it's no real problem to do this.

Also, should I replace both sides, or is it OK to just do the worn one?

TIA.

[Drew106]

Thanks, yeah I figured that myself. Just waiting on parts being delivered.

[Drew106]

Good advice guys, thanks.

Anti roll bar drop links changed and rattle gone. Should have been an easy job, but turned out to be a nightmare due to seized bolts and inadequate tools. Brute force and perseverance prevailed.