Hi everyone! My first post here so apologies if it is in the wrong place. I currently own a used 08 H3 and am having a peculiar sound coming from the front end. The sound is equivalent to cards in bicycle spokes. The strange part is, I only hear it when I push on the accelerator. When I let off it goes away and when it shifts it gets quieter. Also, when I turn off ‘circulate cabin air’ for the AC I can smell what I think to be exhaust. Just curious if this sounds like the known manifold issue, or potentially another issue in the front end. Any advice/knowledge is much appreciated!!!

 

Welcome to HF.

Exhaust leaks can and often do make a clicking like sound. Open the hood, start the truck and observe/listen until it reaches full operating temp. You can move your hand very near the exhaust manifold all around where you can safely reach to see if you can feel a leak if you are not sure you can hear it.

I am assuming you have the 3.7L I5 (you did not specify that or how many miles are on it) so it is not uncommon for them to have a manifold to head fastener break, or for the manifold to crack. You can hear both.

 

Use a long screwdriver or equivalent ant tape a sticky note to it. Have someone sit in the rig and rev to 1500 to 2000 rpm. Pass it all around your exhaust. You will see it flutter if there is an exhaust leak.