Probably a bit vague but.....

[WildfireS3]

What is there that can make a metallic rattle under the rear half of the car?

It started last night and sounded like an exhaust clamp loose and it's driving me up the wall. It happens only between 2-3K revs and is more noticable when the car under load, although it does happen when it is stationary.

My housemate and I can't find out what it is, I have moved the exhaust clamps, but it sounds as if it's somthing resting on the exhaust that is rattliing.

Also what is the thin metal bit that is at the rear of the car where the exhaust bolts through? I think I may need to get a new one.

[andyf007]

If it does it when it's stationary, then the running gear is out of the equation, and it would tend to point to the exhaust, as that's the only bit vibrating back there. It could be the hand brake cable. Is it a bit slack and does the noise stop if you put some tension on it (you could pull it up a bit while you are driving)?

Andy

[Le TVR]

Not a loose 'baffle' in the exhaust??

[z_chromozone]

Le TVR said:

Not a loose 'baffle' in the exhaust??

Sounds like one to me, the v8s does the same thing at lower revs.

Z

[WildfireS3]

Hmm.. I'll test the handbrake, but I don't think it's that as IIRC I had the handbrake on yesterday when testing it outside work.

Loose baffle in the exhaust??? Sounds like a small metallic ticking? That could start for no reason? I take it this can't be fixed? Would this account for the increased pops and bangs from the car or would that be due to my loose tappet?

[bridgdav]

Have you dinged the exhaust recently...?

My pipes and box sit very close to the chassis, if the rubbers are worn or fatigued, the whols system may be touching at certain revs...

Depend how loud it is...

Have you taken your tamborine out of the boot since the morris dancing convention..?:

[Roy C]

Check the welds between the rear exhaust mounting plate and the two exhaust pipes. Mine failed with a buzzing rattling noise.

[andyf007]

The reason I didn't say baffle was because Chris said it was coming from the rear of the car and there isn't a baffle back there. Unless of course a bit has broken free and made it's way to the rear end.

Another thing could be that some git has dropped a stone down the pipe.

Andy

[Le TVR]

andyf007 said:

Another thing could be that some git has dropped a stone down the pipe. Andy

Ah, some kind did that to me in Spain.

[andyf007]

Le TVR said:

andyf007 said: Another thing could be that some git has dropped a stone down the pipe. Andy Ah, some kind did that to me in Spain.

To find out if it's that Chris, you'll need to stand the car on it's end and shake it a bit to get the stone to fall out.

Andy

[WildfireS3]

When I meant the rear of the car I meant somewhere after the down pipes. Hmm... I'll give the rubber mounts a tighten. If not I'll just have to wait until I can get the car home (Surrey) and take the exhaust off.

[bridgdav]

Have a good look under the car for any clashes if you can....

Then take it to a Kwik Fit etc, the chap will be scratching his head saying that theres no way he has got a replacement, but you ask if it vcan be put on the ramps as you think it is only the rubber mounts....

You raise the car give it a wiggle, get a better look at it yourself, say Thankyou and drive away...

I've done this a couple of times, it works....

Dave

[andyf007]

WildfireS3 said:

When I meant the rear of the car I meant somewhere after the down pipes......

What are they teaching you at Uni these days, you appear to have the only rear engined TVR in existance

[WildfireS3]

Hey man! I didn't have much in the way of an education, what with going to Art College and all.

Actually I meant the pipes that curve at 90 degrees and connect the exhaust manifolds to the exhaust system.

I don't recall taking any scrapes lately.

I can tighten the rubber mounts easily, when I can get around to getting a metric socket set! Don't have one ooop north. But I can't see these making so much noise. It happens at 2150 rpm when the car is static. I may try wedging some rubber between the exhaust and chassis.

It's really beginning to annoy me.

[andyf007]

WildfireS3 said:

Actually I meant the pipes that curve at 90 degrees and connect the exhaust manifolds to the exhaust system....

Oh I know what bits you are on about, it was just your implication that anything aft of the downpipes is the rear of the car. I was working on the assumption that I sit in the "middle", what's behind my arse is the "rear" and what's in front is the "front". So I expected the noise to be around the diff and boot areas.

Andy

[WildfireS3]

Actuall it sounds as if it is from the seats backwards. I think more examining, possibly with 2 people may be in order.

Just you wait! One day I will sit and drive from the boot.

[S3 Kieran]

Sounds like baffles to me - mine does much the same - I ignore it!

[DB S3]

Could the exhaust just be touching a cross section on your chassis ? produces a vibrating sound in the cabin - can be something that only happens intermittently as well (from experience !)

Otherwise, i'd have a good look for that tamborine !

>> Edited by DB S3 on Wednesday 12th May 13:49

[WildfireS3]

Really? Other people have small metallic tapping coming from under the car?

If the exhaust is bust then it may time for a new one from ACT A really loud and lairy one.

The GF has been asking what I want for my birthday. Maybe a SS exhaust?

Well it's a choice between SS exahuats, Digital Camera (mine bust last week), HDD MP3 Player, new car stereo.

[DustyC]

WildfireS3 said:

Actuall it sounds as if it is from the seats backwards.

Jaysus! that must be scary.

Why dont you just put the seats in the right way round then?

(sorry! )

I heard this on my Griff a couple of times, but only a couple. If I ever find out what it is I'll let you know.