weird popping type noise

[Red66GT]

I'm getting a weird popping type noise (kinda sounds like popcorn popping) that occurs most noticably when I'm on the highway doing 70+. I can hear it a little bit on and off while driving on surface streets, but it is constant at high speeds and sounds like its coming from the Front Right area of the car. The car is a 97gt btw, (my user name refers to my other stang).

any ideas?

 

[Red66GT]

the car has been lowered and it seems to happen over a rougher road more... anyone?

 

[MT1083]

Does it sound like a metallic popping, or a road noise kind of thing?

 

[Roger_4.6_96]

Aftermarket exhaust ?

 

[Red66GT]

not really metallic, lower decibal sounds, just like a popcorn maker when its popping a bunch of popcorn (on the highway when the sound is consistent).

 

[Red66GT]

I know there are no cats on the exhaust, not sure what exhaust it is exactly, I just picked the car up on friday and didn't test drive it on the highway so I wasn't aware of the sound until after I bought it.

The car drives fine, but the sound kinda scares me b/c it obviously shouldn't be there.

 

[Roger_4.6_96]

Take it to a shop that will give you free estimate. Then get your car up on the lift and listen to where the sound is coming from. Its possible you have a small exhaust leak.

 

[Red66GT]

not sure if its an exhaust leak, b/c I'd think that'd be constant, the noise seems more prominant on a rougher road than a smoother one (non highway).

 

[silver4.6]

Maybe a spring isolator has worn out, or even the top nut on your strut may not be tightned down all the way. A little pop like that can be almost anything in the front end. I would suggest you just jack your car up and try to tighten everything down you can and go from there.... Maybe even try grabbing the wheel before you remove it and try shaking it to see if you hear a rattle or something.

 

[bunit702]

Could be misfiring. Does it do it through a certain RPM range, or just going over 70...if its over 70 it could be something with suspension but i dont know much about that.

 

[Red66GT]

I took the car back to the guy I bought it from and he seemed pretty sure that its a lower control arm bushing.

I'm supposed to drop it off next week so he can work on it.