Rattling from the front of my Ka

fattybumble85

Evening all!
I wondering if anyone can shed some light on something that is bothering me. I have a 04 Ford Ka with about 50k miles on it. It's had a new clutch put in, MOT was done about 6 wks ago and it had a full service about 3 wks ago. I've noticed that it rattles a little when at traffic lights (clutch down) and more so when the car is in neutral and clutch up. In neutral the noise disappears completely when the clutch is down but its still there in first.
When I had the service done they said that the front wishbone bushes were starting to split and I wonder whether this could be why it's rattling? They said it didnt need attention immediately, early next year i was advised to get it sorted. The car is pretty clunky when going over speed bumps, even when going under 20mph and if I go over any potholes.
The place I bought it from haven't showed themselves to be the nicest of people, very dismissive, so I'm hoping it's not a major problem or clutch related so I don't have to speak to them again.

Btw this is my first car and I know nada about them! I have the Haynes manual but if you could explain it in simpletons language it would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

grizzly1911

When did the rattle start? When in relation to the clutch swap, service, MOT?

Any idea where the rattle is coming from?

Does it rattle when it is moving?

Sure nothing is obviously loose or floating around in a door pocket, glove box, boot, under the seat etc.

I was going to say "engine" but thought that was facetious:p

fattybumble85

Thank you for replying!
I've only noticed it really in the last week or so. It seems to be coming from the front, on the passengers side and it's definitely coming from outside the car - not the my cd cases in the cabin!
When I'm stopped the lights with my clutch down and in 1st gear it almost sounds like I'm nearing biting point, you know that noise you get?
When I'm parked up with clutch up and in neutral its a quieter rattle but to me it seems too loud. My OHs battered 12yr old Punto is quieter than mine at the lights!
Could it be the cold? I only really do a short 15min journey each way during the week so I suppose it doesn't really warm up.

squack

could even be something simple like a heatshield rattling at low revs :money:

flang

Pretty normal for a KA its just bits falling off from rust

Keith

Check the bonnet prop is clipped in.

grizzly1911

fattybumble85 wrote: »

Thank you for replying!
I've only noticed it really in the last week or so. It seems to be coming from the front, on the passengers side and it's definitely coming from outside the car - not the my cd cases in the cabin!
When I'm stopped the lights with my clutch down and in 1st gear it almost sounds like I'm nearing biting point, you know that noise you get?
When I'm parked up with clutch up and in neutral its a quieter rattle but to me it seems too loud. My OHs battered 12yr old Punto is quieter than mine at the lights!
Could it be the cold? I only really do a short 15min journey each way during the week so I suppose it doesn't really warm up.

The wishbone bushes are a regular feature I am told but doubt they would be the source of the rattle while stationery.

The cold will make cars sound rougher for longer until they warm up.

Using the clutch basically disconnects the gearbox from the engine that's why you can change gear. When in neutral, foot of the clutch, the gear box is then connected but the gears are disengaged.

How does it sound when you are actually driving it?

When you change gear whilst moving do you get additional noises whilst using the clutch?

[Deleted User]

Could be rotted exhaust. Happened on my car once, would rattle when at traffic lights, etc. Thought it was at the front until a bit of investigation revealed it as the back box being loose from the middle section of the exhaust.