Our Ativa’s rattling sound is fixed! What was the problem? - Long-term review #6

It has been about two weeks of ownership with our Perodua Ativa. How have things been? Well, the rattling sound we mentioned previously had gotten really annoying. Every time we drove over abrupt irregularities on the right side, the sound became more and more apparent.

We needed to take the Ativa to Sepang on Tuesday to check out some Malaysian-made electric car, so we held off going to the service centre until Wednesday. About two weeks of driving with that sound, we finally checked in at the service centre in Sungai Penchala at 10.30 am on Wednesday.

We had set an appointment earlier so the service advisors already had a rough idea on what the problem was.

After a short wait at the customer lounge area, the technician called me up to go for a test drive. Finding potholes and bad surfaces around Sungai Penchala wasn’t tough, and luckily, he too heard the noise that we pointed out. 

The sound was not present when driving over speed bumps, but a mere patch in the asphalt, speed strips, or a slight pothole was sure to recreate the sound.

Surprisingly, the sound was also present when the irregular surface was on the left side too.
Having clearly conveyed the problem to the technician, I was then left to relax in the lounge again. Thankfully I had my phone fully charged so I didn’t have to endure watching Wow Shop.

I waited for about 2 hours and the Ativa was still at the bay. I think they even went for a couple more test drives to properly identify the source of the problem.

With the Ativa being such a brand-new car, coupled with the fact that a proper mechanic training session has not yet been conducted, I didn’t mind the wait. I would be baffled too if I was presented with something entirely new.

I took a peek through the lounge window and saw that the rear wheels of the Ativa had come off. Perhaps they are getting closer to the source of the problem, I thought to myself.

A few scrolls on the phone later, there was good news. They think they have found the source of the rattling noise.

Want to guess what it was?

It was the rear right drum brake. Apparently, the brake shoe had too much free play. Only the rear right brakes had the problem and things were fine on the left rear brakes.

So, all that was left to do was to tighten things up. Naturally, the handbrake lever travel became shorter too.

Still at this moment, the Ativa was still being hoisted, so we couldn't confirm if the problem was solved. So we took the Ativa down and took it for another test drive.

Pulling out of the service centre and onto the first pothole, and the sound was gone! About 10 more bumpy surfaces later, and we confirmed that the sound was eradicated. Fantastic job. I knew the technician was extremely relieved, but he was very good at containing his emotions.

We drove a small loop back to the service centre and yes, the sound was no longer there. I was happy, and the fact that this was free of charge made me even happier. Thank you Perodua!

Also Read: Why are there so many potholes in Malaysia?

So, that was it. That was the source of the rattling noise – too much freeplay in the drum brake. Not a loose spare wheel, not the suspension, and not a loose plastic trim.

If you just bought yourself an Ativa and here some funny noises, don’t hesitate to call up the service centre and get your money's worth. It might actually be a real problem. 

With the rattling problem out of the way, it is time to continue driving our Ativa. Thanks again to Perodua for the quick service and solving the problem getting right in the first fix.

More stories on our long-term review here.

Also Read: 

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