What's this Rattle ?

[rob381]

hi guys, i have an 04 plate 2.0ltr GV with 110k on the clock. Recently there has been an annoying rattle coming from underneath the front of the car. It sounds like a heat shield that has come loose and it vibrating on the exhaust. It's really noticeable upon start up and if in a low gear, trying to pull away fast it's noticeable then. I have been under the car and can't find anything loose that could be the culprit. The exhaust manifold is tight and so is the heat shield on the cat.
I had a thought that could this be a timing chain and tensioner issue ? The oil and filter have been changed every 5000mile.
Any help on this issue would be much appreciated.
Regards.

[donkeychomp]

Have you checked the bolts that connect the manifold to the exhaust?

[rob381]

Hi, thanks for the reply, yeah I took off the heat shield on the exhaust manifold and checked them, all tight.

[ScottieJ]

If it was timing chain/tensioner rattle you would be able to hear it coming from the front of the engine while stationary, espiecially from cold. It doesn’t really sound like a heat shield rattling at all, that issue is more of a ticking, slapping sort of rattle and you would instantly be able to trace it to the front of the engine.

To me your issue sounds like something else underneath, if it will do it while stationary at certain Revs get someone (you trust not to run you over) to hold it at those revs and then get underneath to listen and trace it.

[zook123]

Have you got a tow bar fitted?

[rob381]

Thanks for the replies guys,in reply to zook 123, yeah I have a removable to bar.
Cheers guys.

[zook123]

My exhaust rattled on the tow bar, i used some stainless scouring pads between the exhaust and towbar. Might be worth checking that!

[ROBBIE]

My exhaust rattled on the tow bar, i used some stainless scouring pads between the exhaust and towbar. Might be worth checking that!

Side of the back box onto tow bar arm to chassis? Sounds familiar

[rob381]

Thanks for the replies fellas, I have had the rear silencer replaced and guess what ? No more rattling. Would you believe it. Thanks again for the suggestions on this annoying matter.
Regards.

[zook123]

Excellent, i'm just waiting to get mine replaced with some standard piping, that should stop the rattle!