Car makes weird sounds

My car makes a weird clicking noise. It clicks both when the engine is running and turned off. It usually happens after I drive the car for a long period of time.

I recently installed my new exhaust system. I used power tools to tighten everything. So, I dont think any of the bolts loosened.

I'm guessing it may be my cat heat shield or the midpiping cooling down after the car has over-exerted.

I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem. Thanks!

Erica

what kind of clicking is it, what are you doing when the noise occurs, where is the sound coming from? we need a little more info.

Lots of cars will make slight noises after they are shut off. It's caused by all the parts cooling down. Even though you can't see it, the metal parts are slightly expanded from the heat, and they cool at different rates. It sometimes makes a heat shield make a click or ping kind of noise.

If you think it's a heat shield, let it run, and when it's noisy, press a screwdriver or something to the shield, and the noise will change.

what kind of clicking is it, what are you doing when the noise occurs, where is the sound coming from? we need a little more info.

It's a loud clicking sound that occurs after I run the car for a while. It clicks repeatedly for quite some time. That's why I think it is exactly what i a n112784 was saying about the expansion from being heated. I was going to jack my car up this week and see where exactly the noise is coming from. I dont think it's anything to be concerned about. I was just wondering if anybody else had the same problem, and if so, where the noise was coming from.

Thanks!

Erica

If it's happening AFTER you turn off the car, then it's definitely just the metal contracting and cooling itself down, no worries. :)

If it's happening AFTER you turn off the car, then it's definitely just the metal contracting and cooling itself down, no worries. :)

Thanks Matt! :) That's what I thought it was. Exactly why I wasnt concerned. TTYL!

Your welcome :)