subtle rattling

xjohnkdoex · 11-02-2009, 11:05 AM

sounds like it's coming from the undercarriage, probably the passengers side around the front seat.

only happens when going over rougher roads/bumps. it's not horribly loud, but loud enough that it gets bothersome. sounds like a piece of metal that vibrating or possibly hitting another piece of metal.

i took a quick peek underneath this morning and didn't notice anything hanging or out of place, but then again it was a really quick visual (no jack stands or anything). the only that i saw was a few clips missing from the plastic lining near my bumper, but i doubt it'd make that type of noise.

i'd imagine this is way too vague of description to isolate the issue, but figured i'd try anyways.

EuroRspec · 11-02-2009, 11:51 AM

Check the heat shields

xjohnkdoex · 11-02-2009, 01:15 PM

i should note that i have a random tech cat and a CT header, so i don't have any of the stock heatshields in place.

wreak · 11-02-2009, 01:19 PM

I'm pretty sure the CT header causes a loud rattle with automatics and only a slight rattle with MT. That's probably the cause.

xjohnkdoex · 11-02-2009, 02:12 PM

no, the header doesn't rattle when i go over bumps.

the rattle only becomes noticeable when i stop at a light and the a/c's on or it's raining.

this is something totally different. it's like something's come loose and needs to be bolted down again. i just don't know what part it would be underneath.

i guess i'm going to have to get it looked at b/c i really don't have the time to do it myself.

xjohnkdoex · 11-17-2009, 10:54 AM

i think i found what was causing it.

it's not the black box/belt spool in the trunk. after reading about that problem in a thread, i checked it out and it's pretty secure. all the torsion bars seemed ok, so i started banging on the sides of the trunk lining to see if something was loose in there.

turns out that on the right hand side, where the trunk juts out, when i hit the panel there would be some metal clanging noise. i had a big jug of windshield fluid i got form autozone. i think whenever i went over any huge bumps, that jug would bounce and hit the side of the lining, hit whatever was inside, and cause the annoying metal thunk sound i kept hearing over bigger bumps, but not over smaller or less-rough roads.

so problem solved i hope. now i can fully enjoy my tein chirping since the weather is colder.

endlesswinterco · 11-17-2009, 01:57 PM

glad you solved the mystery! tein chirp is so much fun to listen to in the winter! haha.