Rattling on acceleration

2006 DODGE CHARGER
170,402 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TMCINTOSH11
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Hello, I've had a growing issue I hope someone can help me with, for some time now I'll hear a rattle coming from the front end as I'm getting up to speed, it doesn't do it immediately on acceleration but during it'll fade in and fade out, and it does it during the same time on acceleration. There's nothing loose in the front end as far as I know (I've had a lot of parts in the front replaced as far as suspension goes) and the speed of the rattling isn't consistent with engine rpms because my first thought was valve clatter, but during the rattling if I let off the gas pedal the rattling stops and it'll continue if I press it. I've tried replicating the noise by revving in park but it doesn't do it.
I'm going to try and post a video of it I recorded today. Hopefully someone can give me a clue at what to look for. thanks!
Video (Click to enlarge)
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Feb 8, 2021 at 11:12 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I listened to the video, but I couldn't hear anything. Have you checked the exhaust system? It could be a loose heat shield or even on the catalytic converters can be loose inside.

Do me a favor, take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust. See if you can recreate the sound.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
Feb 8, 2021 at 5:18 PM
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TMCINTOSH11
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Thanks, it makes me think of the exhaust as well, I did what I could with tapping the exhaust and I couldn't find the same sound, I looked for anything loose like heat shields and such and everything looks okay, it's now starting to make a rumbling sound right around the same time as the rattle now, and just like the rattle it stops if I let off the accelerator, I'm just afraid it may be a rod or something, I've never had a problem with rods or lifters so I'm not exactly sure what it would sound like.
Someone suggested doing another oil change, and getting fuel from what is called "top tier" gas stations and maybe trying premium fuel instead of mid-grade for the time being and seeing if that helps the issue.
I'm sorry the video was inconclusive, some days it's louder than others, sometimes, rarely but sometimes it doesn't make the noise at all. It definitely does if it's cold running and right now where I'm at it's very very cold out and getting colder, our high as of late is only 20-24°F and lows in the teens and single digits. I'll try to record it again when I can, thank you!
Feb 12, 2021 at 7:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I have to be honest. It sounds like an exhaust leak issue. Could you have a helper get in the car and rev the engine while you see if you can tell where the sounds are coming from?

If it was a rod or internal component, it would be more of a knock and not a rattle.

Joe
Feb 12, 2021 at 3:24 PM
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TMCINTOSH11
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Hi Joe,

I thought I'd give you an update.
Turns out all the noise was coming from the driveshaft, the bolts had been compromised and it was ready to fly off. it's all been fixed now and every bit of rattle and thumping noise is gone now. thank you for all your help!
Apr 9, 2021 at 6:31 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Wow!!! I'm glad you found that before something bad happened. I'm surprised that you didn't have a vibration along with the rattle.

Regardless, I'm glad to hear you fixed it. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need anything. Also, thanks for letting me know what was found.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 9, 2021 at 7:08 PM