I know this is a vague qustion but my car just startled making a quick rattling sound. Its an 89 and I just noticed it tonight. Doesn't do it all the time and not in any paticular gear. Seems like its from the pass. side but can't tell if its near the middle or front of the car. What are some things I should look for? Thanks

 

Check the exhaust hanger! Or perhaps a cap on one of the wheels. :eek:

 

does it only happen over bumps......?? and go away when you use your brakes??? If so its your brake pad springs.

 

Seems to be when I lightly accelerate from a stop. Then it goes away once I hit about 10mph. Thanks for the replies.

 

Look at your cats too.

 

Here's some ideas from a prior thread:

-In my '93 LT-1 I've spent a couple hours over the last few weekends trying to found out what the heck rattles in the rear of my car! It's making me crazy!
Here's what it's not!!!

1. Not the hood latch or hood period - it's adjusted tight w/plenty o grease.
2. It doesn't appear to be any of the plastic surrounding the rear window. I've had it all out and have put some velcro between the pieces.
3. I don't think it's body related. I pulled both rear wheels and tapped and smashed inside the wheel wells. One screw was missing there for the plastic wheel wells, so it's now installed. No difference.
4. Don't think it's the filler lid, put a sponge in there and took a ride, same rattle.
5. I checked the suspension and whailed on it a little to try to re-create the noise. No go.
6. I was banging in the area of the headliner thinking that it may be something to do with the rear hatch/glass. No go.
7. I have a rear hatch "Vent". Whether it's installed or not, the noise is still audible.
8. It's not the spare tire carrier or anything on the exhaust brackets. Been there, checked it, banged on it!

I thought I hit the jackpot when I found a quarter size stone riding within the suspension snubber bracket (right above hub assy's in the rear). I really thought that stone rattling on the metal was it! No again!

So? My problem is that I really cannot re-create the noise by banging on stuff. I only here it when travelling down a road that is mildly rough. As soon as I hit any type of bump, manhole cover or any other little obscurity, the blasted rattle returns! Help!!!!

 

a couple a weeks ago I had a rattle. It turned out to be the metal tube that carries air downstream to the catalytic conv. The pipe would rub/rattle against the exhaust manifold under certain conditions. Goodluck hunting