Thread: Downshift/Acceleration Rattle

Hi All,

I've had this issue for quiet a while but had always chalked it up to the cat heat shield - until that flew off on the highway and the noise persists.

It is very repeatable if I wait for the car to shift into 2nd then I get it to downshift into 1st. I'm pretty sure it happens from 3 to 2 as well its just not as easy to hear at higher speeds. It also happens sometimes if I bump the accelerator without a downshift but still accelerate moderately.

It is a metallic, rhythmic rattle - it appears suddenly and seemingly fades over a second or two. In my mind, it seems to have something to do with the jarring off the engine/trans as the down shift occurs.

It is especially noticeable it I am driving near walls, fences or concrete barriers as the sound is reflected back to me. It really sounds terrible and janky as hell.

Please advise or share ideas ... thanks!

EDIT: The rattle is probably about as fast as someone can sputter there lips if they are fed up with something. Bit slower maybe.

theres a heat shield on the manifolds too.

the exhaust could be doing it, check all hangers, or maybe even bad lower engine and tranny mounts.

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

theres a heat shield on the manifolds too.

the exhaust could be doing it, check all hangers, or maybe even bad lower engine and tranny mounts.

Motor and Trans mounts are new within a few years. I'll check the manifold shield and the hangers - any recommended way of checking other than banging on things with hands or a rubber mallet?

the whole exhaust will wiggle around a little bit, a lot if the mounts are worn out or missing. you can push on it with your foot to see if if makes any sounds.