I have a mysterious popping Noise In my 2003 Stratus. It started approximately 3 months ago and the only pattern I have discovered is that is doesn't start until I've driven betweeen 10-15 miles. But the repetition of the popping noise is the same regardless of whether I'm going 15mph or 70mph. It stops as mysteriously as it starts. Doesn't seem to matter if it is hot/warm/cool, if conditions are wet or dry. Doesn't do it when I hit a bump, turn the wheel, or apply the brakes. Nothing feels loose. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they have replaced some front bushings but to no avail. I have spent $500 so far and I still have this annoying noise. The car has only 30000 miles on it. It is definitely coming from the underside of the car and other then this noise, the car runs perfect.

Can anyone out there give me a clue? I am desperate.

 

what type of "pop"? like a backfire, a bad balljoint, or a metal to metal? is it just a sound or can you feel it?

 

It sounds like popcorn popping. Not like metal on metal. It is not a heating problem and the engine runs great. It starts when the car is in motion after about 10 miles. Popping does not increase with speed. It comes and goes. Brakes, tires etc are new. The pops can be rapid or only 2 or 3 a minute. Not a backfire issue. I cannot feel anything and the cars alignment is excellent with no shakes. 3 times to a dealer and 2 times to another repair shop and no one can pinpoint it.

 

quite odd.....but, this is my GUESS. it MIGHT be coolant going into your overflow/expansion tank (this is norm but mostly not too loud). the only way i can think to check: after a longer drive, when the eng is at full operating temp, shut it off, pop the hood, and look and listen to the eng.

after you shut the eng off the block still heats up the coolant. as the coolant heats up it takes up more space. with no more room in the rad, the coolant goes to the O/E tank. norm this makes a "bubbling" sound. the rad press is controlled by the rad cap, cheap to replace. NEVER heard of one going bad so fast. what eng/trans type you got?

 

Thanks for the replies! I have checked the coolent issue and that is not the case. This only occurs when the vehicle is in motion. I am pretty sure that it is some type of suspension part or bushing/bearing. I have a 2.4L, Automatic transmission SE.

 

has the dealer checked the TSB (tech service bullit)? tsb#2301203 date9/24/04. look at the top left of this page for tsb info. this one is listed under "body" close to the bottom. good luck.