odd rattle/vibration sound...

[viper04blk]

I have an odd rattle vibration sound that has started. here are the symptoms.

Totally silent and non-existent until I hit 45mph
@ 45mph it makes the rattle/vibration. It sounds like a heat shield is rattling.... almost like a pebble is vibrating in a tin can.
Any speed above 45mph, and I have the rattle. it never gets worse, it stays the same.
Clutch in - it rattles
Clutch out - it rattles
Any and all gears - it rattles
Does not change with rpm
Bumps dont effect it
It sounds like it is coming from the under the center console.... perhaps heat shielding around the tranny????
I took off my leather shift boot... and the sound got alot louder....which makes me think it is coming from around the tranny area. I removed the rubber boot under the leather shift boot... and cant see anything


Any ideas?

 

[sssammm]

A chip of ceramic broken off in a cat? always rattles like that

 

[viper04blk]

would that not sound like it is coming from the foot well, or perhaps the front corners of the interior? this sounds like it is directly in the middle of the car between the two seats

 

[zombiesnake]

sounds like something to do with the driveshaft. its the only thing that will consistently go faster with mph thats in the center of the car. engine noises will usually be rpm or load related, trans issues change with gear and rpm, but the driveshaft and rear are the most mph related. if you can get under the car, jack up the rear tires and spin the driveshaft in neutral and be sure theres no binding or looseness. then be sure all trans or drive shaft supports are good and tight. then i would start tapping heat shields and other things down there looking for movement or sound.

 

[viper04blk]

tonight, i am gonna get the car up to 60mph on an abondoned highway, i am going to put the car into neutral, and then turn the ignition off. that should rule out any mechanical issues.

i will report back in 5 hours

 

[viper04blk]

UPDATE: I got my car up to 60mph. I put the tranny in neutral. I turned the car off and coasted. The rattling was 100% uneffected by turning off the car.

I think this rules out any drive train components. Would you guys agree?

 

[viper04blk]

SOLVED:

The tray/pan under the car had one loose screw. The screw was slightly loose and the washer was vibrating.

 

[ViperJeff]

Good find.....

 

[NMviperguy]

I know I'm a little late but I've had the same issue recently. My bolts were loose as well. I tightened the bolts but a few are gone, but it was the same issue. Still makes a slight sound so I need to find a few bolts to replace the lost ones.

 

[viper04blk]

ensure the front corners have bolts...otherwise you will here a rattle for sure