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2018 Q60 3.0t Premium - Annoying Exhaust Rattle at Low RPMs

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:46 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q60 3.0t Premium

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Infiniti Q60 3.0t Premium with about 55,000 miles on it, and I've developed an annoying rattle from underneath the car. It's most noticeable at low RPMs, especially when accelerating gently or idling in drive. It sounds like a metallic vibration or rattle, and it seems to be coming from the exhaust area.

It's not affecting performance, and there's no check engine light, but it's really irritating. I've tried looking underneath, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. Has anyone else experienced this with their Q60 or other Infiniti models? What was the culprit, and how difficult was it to fix?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:46 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

An annoying metallic rattle from the exhaust area, especially at low RPMs, is a common complaint and can often be attributed to a few specific issues. While not typically a performance-affecting problem, it can certainly be quite irritating.

Common Causes for Exhaust Rattle:

  1. Loose Heat Shields: This is by far the most frequent culprit. Heat shields are designed to protect the undercarriage from the exhaust system's heat. Over time, their mounting bolts can corrode, loosen, or the shield itself can crack, causing it to vibrate against the exhaust pipe or chassis.
  2. Exhaust Hangers/Mounts: Worn, broken, or improperly seated exhaust hangers can allow the exhaust system to sag or come into contact with other components, leading to rattles. Check the rubber isolators and mounting points.
  3. Internal Catalytic Converter Failure: Less common without a check engine light (P0420/P0430), but the ceramic honeycomb matrix inside a catalytic converter can break apart. These loose pieces can rattle around inside the converter, especially at certain engine frequencies. You might hear this as a distinct 'marbles in a can' sound.
  4. Loose Exhaust Components: Bolts connecting exhaust pipes, mufflers, or resonators can loosen over time, allowing components to vibrate against each other.
  5. Aftermarket Exhaust Fitment: If any aftermarket exhaust components have been installed, improper fitment or clearance can lead to contact with the chassis or other parts.

When to See a Shop:

  1. Visual Inspection: You can try to visually inspect the exhaust system yourself while the car is safely on jack stands or a lift. Gently tap on different sections of the exhaust with a rubber mallet to try and reproduce the sound and pinpoint its origin.
  2. Professional Diagnosis: If you can't locate the source, or if the rattle persists after checking the obvious, a professional mechanic can put the car on a lift and perform a more thorough inspection. They can often quickly identify loose heat shields or hangers.
  3. Catalytic Converter Check: If the rattle is suspected to be internal to the catalytic converter, a shop can use a stethoscope or perform backpressure tests to confirm. If it's the catalytic converter, replacement is the only solution, and it's a more significant repair.
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