Noise at vehicle start

[Bryan22]

I have 2003to Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Qcab. At starta up the truck has a noise that comes from what sounds like the under side of the truck. When I got under it to look it sounds from either the transmission or exhaust. The noise lasts for a few minutes but quits down once warmed up. Could it maybe be a exhaust leak or something else? Thanks for all the help in advance.

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

What does the noise sound like? Is it a clicking? Does it happen at every start up or just when the engine has time to get cold?

 

[Bryan22]

The noise sounds like knocking my wife says clicking. It happens on every start up but more pronounced on cold starts but goes away when the engine warms up.

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

Hmm. Is it high pitched kind of? Does it get quicker with acceleration?

 

[Bryan22]

The noise does pick up with acceleration and the sound decreases as you take your foot off the accelerator. Driving it now it does sound more like a clicking sound.

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

If its a clicking that increases with acceleration and decreases as the engine heats up, I'd say it is an exhaust leak. Start the truck while the clicking is happening, and see if it is louder right up against the engine. When mine had an exhaust leak is was from a bolt becoming loose on the headers. As the engine warmed the metal would expand and eventually close the leak, but from a start where the engine hadn't just been running, it would click like crazy.

 

[Bryan22]

That is kinda what I thought. I checked the exhaust from the cats to the rear of vehicle and don't see any leaks or lose bolts. But I have not checked from the cats forward. I'll check tomorrow and keep y'all posted. Thanks

 

[BlackedOutHemi]

That is kinda what I thought. I checked the exhaust from the cats to the rear of vehicle and don't see any leaks or lose bolts. But I have not checked from the cats forward. I'll check tomorrow and keep y'all posted. Thanks

Awesome, yeah definitely let us know. Just stick your ear by the wheel well on both sides and see if its extremely loud on one of the sides. Might want to open the hood while doing this so the sound isn't bounced back down while you're trying to listen.