What's new
By:
Ram Heavy Duty Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Odd rattle from behind the grill?

ErikTheRed

ErikTheRed

Well-Known Member
Messages
345
Reaction score
406
Points
63
Location
Sacramento-ish
My new truck is a 2024 Bighorn 3500 LB CC HO/Aisin. I've only had it 5 weeks so I'm still learning its quirks. I've noticed that when I start the truck from cold, there is a noticeable "rattle" from just behind the grill area, almost like the sort of racket an older AC compressor makes. Problem is, my truck kinda sounds like this even with the AC off, and after truck warms up, the noise mostly goes away. Anyone know what this rattle-y sound might be? I have an appt at the dealership service dept this Friday for a pesky alignment issue and I mentioned the rattle thing to the service counter dude, but you know how it always goes.... it ain't gonna make any funky noises when the tech is listening.
 
Probably lifters failing already. JK, but I hope it's something simple.

I thought the same thing when my truck started making a noise from that general area. Sadly to my realization it was not something simple.
 
bigboost said:
Probably lifters failing already. JK, but I hope it's something simple.

I thought the same thing when my truck started making a noise from that general area. Sadly to my realization it was not something simple.
Click to expand...
So....what was it?
 
Could be your fan running for the first few minutes. It does make sort of a funky noise like a flutter almost. Could also be belt tensioner or the belt itself squeaking/chirping. Many have reported it goes away after a couple weeks once the belt and pulleys mate with each other.
 
bigboost said:
Probably lifters failing already. JK, but I hope it's something simple.
Click to expand...
OK, thats not funny. :oops:

It doesn't sound valvetrain related to me. It sounds more like something in the serpentine system, possibly a rattle-y belt tensioner or something like Flan mentioned above. Not sure. Guess we'll see what the "techs" at the local Ram shop have to say about it tomorrow.
 
ErikTheRed said:
OK, thats not funny. :oops:

It doesn't sound valvetrain related to me. It sounds more like something in the serpentine system, possibly a rattle-y belt tensioner or something like Flan mentioned above. Not sure. Guess we'll see what the "techs" at the local Ram shop have to say about it tomorrow.
Click to expand...
All I can say is I thought it was belt related as well, it sounded like a loose belt slapping intermittently, noise more prevalent on the driver side than the passenger side. Sometimes it doesn't make any noise at all, sometimes its pretty noticeable.

There is a lifter failure thread on here that has some good videos of what it sounds like. I'd check it out.
 
The plastic cowl/trim that covers the fan and radiator rattles on mine. sounded like a leaf or a stick in the fan and so that's what I went hunting for. Ended up being that plastic, which I figure I'll fix with some 3M double sided tape
 
The front plastic wheel well liners rattle on my truck. I just found it and haven’t looked to see how to remedy it yet. On the front lower side of it where they put one of the Christmas tree fasteners.
 
I'm having the same issue on my rig right now. I thought it was a fan also, turns out the dealer thinks its deep within the motor. Currently all the lifters are removed along with the camshaft, waiting on STAR to diagnose. Has been in the dealers hands for 6 weeks today with no resolution. Hope the best for you.
 
ErikTheRed said:
My new truck is a 2024 Bighorn 3500 LB CC HO/Aisin. I've only had it 5 weeks so I'm still learning its quirks. I've noticed that when I start the truck from cold, there is a noticeable "rattle" from just behind the grill area, almost like the sort of racket an older AC compressor makes. Problem is, my truck kinda sounds like this even with the AC off, and after truck warms up, the noise mostly goes away. Anyone know what this rattle-y sound might be? I have an appt at the dealership service dept this Friday for a pesky alignment issue and I mentioned the rattle thing to the service counter dude, but you know how it always goes.... it ain't gonna make any funky noises when the tech is listening.
Click to expand...
I have a 24 ram mega cab that just got dropped off at the dealer yesterday for the same exact noise. The rattle would increase with acceleration. Tech said belt tensioner is binding so they're replacing that with a new belt and going to see if it still rattles after fixing. Did you get any updates on yours?
 
johnny1990 said:
I have a 24 ram mega cab that just got dropped off at the dealer yesterday for the same exact noise. The rattle would increase with acceleration. Tech said belt tensioner is binding so they're replacing that with a new belt and going to see if it still rattles after fixing. Did you get any updates on yours?
Click to expand...
Just received this message today.
Star responded with, "It will get at least a short block. Please pull the head to check for contact between the valves and piston." Dealer-“So, our next step is cylinder head removal-photos of pistons and valves and then wait for their final decision. Then we have to run it through powertrain for approval.”
Dealer also said at least another 6-8 weeks. Hopefully you get better news than that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top