Engine/Exhaust Rattle

[jonsowman]

Hi all,

Got a metallic rattle that has been getting gradually worse, I think it might be the exhaust manifold or some other part of the exhaust perhaps. It happens at all engine speeds, but is particularly bad at certain engine rpms. It's particularly noticeable when accelerating (if the engine is pulling hard through said rpms) and when driving close to other objects with the windows down (so I can hear the reflected sound).

Is there something that's known to rattle? I've tried to record it but it's very difficult to make out!

[midsdaz]

My bottom
Mount has gone witch caused my exhaust to come loose and the one bolt was rattling on mine sounds similar worth a check

[jonsowman]

Thanks, I'm having the bottom mount changed with the clutch next month anyway.

Which bolt was it that came loose? Whereabouts on the exhaust system is it?

[jasper5]

Best way to find an exhaust rattle is to bang on the exhaust at the back and listen to where the rattle is coming from, then close in on the exact area, you may need an assistant.

[jonsowman]

Good advice jasper, thanks. Do you mean just whack it with your fist?

I'm pretty sure it's towards the front of the car, perhaps inside the engine bay.

I'll give what you said a try, thank you

[midsdaz]

If it is the bolts u will
See there loose I
Got to do my mounts coz it doesn't matter if
U tighten it it comes
Loose again drives me mad

[jonsowman]

Just went out and had someone hit the exhaust -- can definitely hear a rattle down the back of the engine block.

Is this where the bolts you're talking about are located midsdaz? Is there any chance of accessing them from the top of the engine bay?

[jasper5]

Is it not the bolts with the spring fitting on them...if your exhaust has these springs?

You can buy a kit of these from most factors, it's fairly common for these springs to vibrate/rattle....you can add washers to tighten them up.

I always have a kit in my odds and sods box.

Usually accessed from underneath.

[midsdaz]

U have to get underneath the car and yeh They are the ones with the spring I'm going to
Replace the gasket and get the kit once I change bottom
Mount I've added a couple
Of washers for now but it does need doing properly Just becareful
With the sh*t that falls off I got something in me eye last time ended up going hospital with a swollen eye I looked like mike
Tyson had smacked
Me one

[jasper5]

Yeah, good point about your eyes, always use eye protection when working unerneath the car on the exhaust, eye protectors are just a couple of quid at the factors.