Rattle diagnosis

[Marshall]

Hi all,
I have an annoying rattle...

occurs when the rear wheels go over bumps, also on a rough road, but doesn't even have to be too rough
very "tinny" sound, sounds like sheet metal
sounds like a sheet that is held on by a bolt that is loose
I cannot tell if it comes from the middle of the underside or more towards the rear or more towrds the front...
I can hear it clearer with the passenger window down
heat shields seem solid, no loose bolts etc
I have beat the crap out of the underside with a rubber hammer and cannot seem to replicate it
Could it be the cats?
How would I be able to tell if it is?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Pete

[Grumbles]

It may also be a loose brake caliper shield that has cracked and is rattling or a shield has moved and is contacting brake pipes etc.

[clubagreenie]

Cracked shock shaft cover rattling against the body?

[Marshall]

Cracked shock shaft cover rattling against the body?

Don't think so. relatively new shocks. they seem OK
I am going to take the wheels off tomorrow and check the caliper shields...

[33chinacars]

Have you checked exhaust system & mufflers. Could be something has let go inside muffler. Just a thought.

Gary

[glenhendry]

I have a similar sound in the front, and yesterday I believe I have diagnosed it to the rear UJ on the front prop shaft. It is really loose. I am trying to find somewhere in Brisbane who can fix it today! I am not sure if it is DIY. Time for reading...

Good luck. It is annoying chasing rattles sometimes.

[Marshall]

Got it:D

Took the front NS wheel off, all peachy.
Took the rear NS wheel off, shield solid. Happened to put my hand on the caliper and gave it a shake...rattle rattle rattle!
I could see the springy thing from the top of the brake pad poking out the top, not right me thinks. So I took out the bottom bolt and levered the caliper up, reseated the brake pads, put it all together and NO MORE RATTLES!
:D

yet...

[Grumbles]

Good to hear that all is now quiet Marshall.

[Hoges]

Got it:D

Took the front NS wheel off, all peachy.
Took the rear NS wheel off, shield solid. Happened to put my hand on the caliper and gave it a shake...rattle rattle rattle!
I could see the springy thing from the top of the brake pad poking out the top, not right me thinks. So I took out the bottom bolt and levered the caliper up, reseated the brake pads, put it all together and NO MORE RATTLES!
:D

yet...

"Good Find" as they say ...;) Question remains: what caused it to loosen and "pop" in the first place? Caliper pins etc all properly located?
cheers

[Marshall]

"Good Find" as they say ...;) Question remains: what caused it to loosen and "pop" in the first place? Caliper pins etc all properly located?
cheers

the "tool" that put the brake pads in probably didn't take care when they put the caliper back in place.
all the pins are good...