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420A Knocking/Rattling Noise that cuts off at 3.5k-4k rpm.

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julong

Probationary Member
2
0
Feb 12, 2026
Sacramento, California
Hey all, trying to figure out what this sound could possibly be from on my 98 Eclipse GS.

The video was taken from the front passenger side foot well and I’m sort of confused about what could be the issue. I recently brought the car into a shop to have the sound diagnosed and they called me back saying it was failing rod bearings. I called another shop shortly after and they specialize in working with Japanese cars and they told me that many people have came into their shop saying the same thing (previous shop told them they had bad rod bearings) and when they’d bring in their cars it would end up being a shot timing belt tensioner.

I feel like that might be the case here as the rattling cuts off around 3.5k-4k rpm but I’m not too sure myself. Previous owner did replace the timing belt but never said anything about the tensioner or water pump so maybe a mix of those? On the other hand the car drives very smooth and shifts good so it’s giving me mixed signals LOL.

Has anyone dealt with this before with their DSM? Is my engine on the verge of committing seppuku? any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated

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Last edited by a moderator:
Drain the oil and look for metal shavings/particles. That would rule out or confirm internal engine damage. Also while it is a Mitsubishi, the engine is totally Mopar.
 
Drain the oil and look for metal shavings/particles. That would rule out or confirm internal engine damage. Also while it is a Mitsubishi, the engine is totally Mopar.
Just changed my oil and the old oil that came out was really dirty, there was a shimmer to it like metallic paint but 0 metal shavings at all. Maybe just normal engine wear. Old owner didn’t seem to have taken the best care of the car in the first place. The oil just seemed old and dirty and now it has some fresh royal purple in it haha. The knocking/rattling seemed to have quiet down a bit as well but maybe i’m just experiencing some placebo. I’m just confused now as all the sound is coming from the left side or timing side of the engine. I’m just really hoping it will need a new hydraulic tensioner and water pump soon.

Edit: Also no shaving were at the bottom of the container I drained the oil into and out of so i’m not very sure here LOL.
 
Last edited:
You can normally look and tell if the water pump has been replaced. It's probably filthy if not

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