Heatshield rattle?

TSUTRICK

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
149,000 MILES

Hi there. I have the car listed above that still runs well. We have lots of round-a-bout intersections here. I can only hear a low, non-harmonious rattle when turning left at low speed; sometimes when going straight, slowly. I checked the CV boot-no cracks, no grease marks. Can't feel rattle in steering wheel, no alignment issues. No heavy clunks. Jacked up vehicle, no tire wiggle/slop. Any ideas? Possible for a heatshield piece to rattle, when primarily turning one direction? Thank you!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

It's possible for the heatshield to do this. However, they usually seem to make noise at a specific RPM.

Here is a guide that will help with this type of issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/rattle-noise

Regardless, take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust system to see if you can recreate the noise. Also, confirm where it sounds like the noise could be coming from and let me know.

If possible, record the sound and upload it for me to hear.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, October 7th, 2021 AT 4:00 PM

TSUTRICK

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe! Thank you for your help. It's a heck of a thing to help someone find a rattle on a vehicle with 149,000 miles I appreciate it. I had to change the oil so I had it up on ramps (I just can't get underneath there). I did as you said, ugh. As it turns out, the "top" lip of the catalytic converter had rusted free from the main body. It looked similar to the very top of a soda can. Apparently, driving forward was enough for this then little ring to seat back into place. Going around a corner seemed to free it enough to rattle half an inch forward. I took a bolt cutter and removed it = No more rattle. Thank you again. -Ted

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Monday, October 11th, 2021 AT 6:41 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Ted,

I'm glad you found the problem, and you don't have to thank me. You did the work.

They make those so cheaply it's crazy. The spot welds either break or they rust apart. If I hear that when pulling a customer's car into a bay, I always take a couple of worm clamps, joint them together, and tighten them around the shield. The sound drives me crazy. It must drive the customers crazy because they are always really happy when I tell them. LOL

Ted, thanks for the update. I know others will read it and benefit from it. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help. You're always welcome here, and now you're a part of the family. LOL

Take good care of yourself, and although I don't want you to have more problems, I hope to hear from you again.

Joe

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Monday, October 11th, 2021 AT 7:39 PM