The most likely causes for your Lexus GS having a clattering sound are interior noises (like loose items), noises from under your car (like a faulty exhaust system) or noises from under your hood (like failing lifters or piston damage).
Lexus GS has a clattering noise/sound
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Why does my Lexus GS have a clattering noise/sound?
It is important to note that when trying to identify a sound coming from your Lexus GS, you try to pinpoint where the noise to coming from. Is it coming from inside the car, the front dashboard, the boot of the car, the engine, the tyres or maybe from something scraping along the road? Is the clattering noise happening when your car is idle or when you’re driving slow or when you’re driving fast or when you’re driving over bumps or when you’re accelerating or… do you just hear it all the time?
Is clattering coming from under your car?
The most common reason for your Lexus GS to have a clattering noise/sound coming from under your car is problems with your exhaust, potentially caused by rust and corrosion. The remedy for this might be as simple & low-cost as a heat shield added to your exhaust system or it may require more extensive repairs. Problems with exhaust systems that cause clattering can include a damaged heat shield, loose exhaust hangers/clamps or a failed catalytic converter. If you have a clattering noise closer to your wheels, the issue could be faulty steering or suspension components (like bushings, shocks, joints, links and struts) or could come from poorly-fitted brake components.
Is clattering coming from your engine or from under the hood?
The most common reasons for there to be clattering noises coming from under the hood/bonnet of your Lexus GS are failing hydraulic valve lifters (they open and close the engine valves) or potentially a piston slap from pistons not moving smoothly inside their cylinders. Both of these problems can be quite expensive to fix by your mechanic. Other potential causes for clattering can include drive belt bearings, a cracked or broken serpentine belt (drives alternator, compressor and water pump), loose brackets, rod knocking or low engine oil (the cheapest fault to fix).
Is clattering coming from inside your car?
The most common reasons for there to be a clattering noise coming from inside your car are loose interior panelling, open glove compartments & centre console lids, clattering drink bottles in holders, worn window channels/seals, small items (like loose change) clattering inside plastic compartments or wind causing loose objects to move around inside your cab, creating a clattering sound. These can generally be fixed cheaply by removing the objects, closing compartments or using a screwdriver to tighten clattering interior components.
How do I fix my Lexus GS when I have a clattering noise?
If the clattering sound is coming from inside your car, the fix can be simple and quick – find the loose object & remove it or find the interior component making the noise so you can fix it with a screwdriver. If the clattering noise is coming from under your car hood/bonnet, you can check the oil and fill it up if it is low. If you’ve tried these and your car is still clattering, we’d recommend that you book a mechanic to look at your Lexus GS as soon as possible.
Should I still drive my Lexus GS when it has a clattering sound?
We’d recommend that you do some quick checks to make sure the noise isn’t from low oil or from an interior noise then, if these are not the causes, only drive your car as far as your local mechanic, if the clattering noise continues.
