Hey,

I recently purchased a 2003 Hyundai Elantra with 78,000 miles on it. The car runs like a dream, and is in great shape, but here a few days ago I started hearing a strange rattling sound in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. The sound is very pronounced when you are first taking off, but doesn't happen much in higher RPM's. Also, the sound seems to be at it's worst when you are taking off AND turning the wheel left or right. The engine is a 1.8 liter DOC.

The sound I'm referring to is basically a rattling noise coming from the front-engine. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

Assuming it it a stick shift, try loading the engine with the trans in first gear brake on, and letting the clutch out just enough to hear if it will make the rattling noise. Don't do this too long or too often, but just long enough to maybe hear the rattle. Then maybe you can pin it down and determine what is causing it.

 

Hard to say without actually hearing it. Could be a CV joint going bad or just a loose heat shield. Gotta go to a mechanic or a friend that knows cars so they can look.