Thread: rattling noise 2004 pontiac grand prix

Hello, my 2004 pontiac grand prix has started making a rattling noise lately. This noise can only be heard when I accelerate and also when I make a left then it makes a loud rattling noise. When I'm stopped it doesn't make the noise. I notice that when I go faster it seems to go away until I drive at lower speeds. If I put it in park and push the gas the noise is gone. It seems like the engine is getting hotter then normal and I can smell oil. Any ideas on what can cause this?

And the noise is definitely coming from drivers side under the hood I believe

Try taking the belt off and spinning the pulleys by hand and see if any of them sound bad, and wiggle them too. If any of them seem loose then it could be that. Barring that, could be a wheel bearing or something suspension related, but that wouldn't cause it to run hot. And by hot, where exactly on the gauge does it get to?

The gauge goes about a little over half of the way up to where it would be over heating. But never over heats. It has before and my car would shut off. Found out it was the water pump and replaced it. The mechanic said the thermostat was fine. When I went for a smog, it passed, but the guy their told my that it is leaking oil out if the gasket and that it would cost upwards of $400 to fix. I have seen a little oil on the engine and I wash it off. Could a leaky gasket cause this? I check the oil regularly and its fine. One other thing I could add is I noticed under the radiator cap it has some rusty mud looking build up. And the coolant looked like it also had some of that rust in it. I also heard oil on spark plugs could cause this but not sure.

And I hear the noise when I make a left turn,car can be hot or cold, but not so Much when I make a right. But definitely if I drive on the freeway and exit the car will make that noise every time I push the gas and gets louder when I begin to accelerate but goes away when i reach higher speeds. I have put the car in neutral and park and pushed the gas and nothing. It's only when in drive. Also the past few days, when I stop for a sign or light and go, it has jerked on me like when I pushed the gas to go. That has happened to me 2-3 in the past week.

Muddy looking coolant could be a sign of leaking LIM gaskets. Since you have an 04 it probably still has the black plastic gaskets in it. Look between the LIM where it meets the heads and if you see black, then there's your answer. The new ones are aluminum. Where exactly is it leaking oil from? Pics could help if all else fails.

Yes they are black. And the oil seems to be puddling up just underneath it .

Also I noticed the little container where the reserve collant goes doesn't add to the radiator when its low. It stays at the fill line but I have taker the radiator cap off and poured coolant manually because it was low. So for some reason its not sucking it from the reserve tank.

But it might be the upper manifold right where I add oil, that's where the oil is and the gasket looks like black plastic.

The lower looks aluminum

Sorry about that. I will try and post a video or pictures ASAP. Just that sound is really annoying and idk if its gonna cost an ARM n a leg to fix

You're probably hearing a failing torque converter. I have the same issue. It's louder in left turns and barely there in rights. From what I've gathered the factory converter is kinda **** and rattles right before it dies. Check your trans fluid and talk to an experienced tech. Your trans is most likely on it's last legs.