Popping sound when parked
 

I am hearing some very minor popping sounds coming from the engine or near the front wheels. Anyone else have this or heard of it? This is only when parked right after driving. I have yet to go through the manual so I apologize if its something obvious.

Car idling okay?

Just metal cooling. Totally normal. Happens with every car i ever owned.

^ this, though I notice it more with this car than any other I have had. It's probably because the whole exhaust manifold is encased in sheet metal. That is where most of the popping seems to be coming from as it cools.

Yeah, it's a little concerning at first but, as previously discussed, it's normal for our flat four.

okay, whew. Got me worried for a sec.

Yeh wife thought the same thing she thought she broke the car when she was taking care of it while I was on a trip

Keep in mind the flat 4 has a lot longer exhaust manifold (factory) than most I-4s, so there's a lot more heat shields to expand/contract than other cars.

-alex

popping/creaking sounds (especially at night) could also be due to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jG5wWl--zw#t=0m40s

Perfectly normal. I've heard cars back in the early 90's even doing this.

Metal contracts and expands and is normal.

DAFUQ?? :lol:

LOL - we can only wish our cars repaired themselves like that. :D

Here is a clip of the noise if anyone is interested.

Tow it to the dealer. You have a Smurf gang war going on inside your exhaust.

Metal contracting. That's all.