1g Undercarriage Rattle

[Cheezit033094]

Hey guys, I just noticed, about a week ago, that I have the strange rattling sound coming from rear of my 90 talon tsi awd. I narrowed it down to the rear because I went over a bump and heard nothing when the front wheels went over it, but when the rear wheels went over it, I heard the noise louder. The noise stopped when I would hit the brakes. I then noticed it on the on ramp to the highway, echoing off the concrete wall. I tapped the brakes and the noise didn't stop. I can hear it at any speed now. It doesn't change as speed increases or decreases but will get slightly louder if I swerve to the left or right. Please help me.

 

[91-GS]

Try rocking/bouncing the car by hand and see if you can pinpoint it more accurately. Also jack up the car and spin the wheels by hand to see if something is up back there.

Might be as simple as a bolt or a rock between body panels or in the spare tire well. Heard about one rattle that turned out to be a rock inside the lug nut cover, so anything is possible.

 

[Cheezit033094]

Thank you. I'll go out tomorrow and "poke around a bit".

 

[chacedog1]

Grab the rear sway bar ends near the links and move up and down to see if there is any play in the links.

 

[AKfrankenstein]

Are your lug nuts tight? May be a little loose allowing the rim to wobble making sounds.

 

[Insane20]

Sounds like sway bar links and or bushings to me. Could also possible be the strut mounts also.

 

[Cheezit033094]

I'll go out tonight and pull on the sway bars. It's happening more now. It starts as soon as I start to move pushing the clutch makes no difference, as well as any gear. It stops if I push the brakes, though.

 

[curt-s]

Maybe check your exhaust too, cat especially, but catless can also rattle. Sometimes it's the wierdest stuff.

 

[Cheezit033094]

So tonight, I went out and started pulling the sway bars and feeling along the driveshaft for any exhaust contact. At the base of the transfer case, I felt a loose metal piece and spun it. It was the exact sound I'd been hearing.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

The dust seal guard...

 

[chacedog1]

Ahhhh IC, any way of pushing it back in a little? let us know how you make out.

 

[talontd92tsi]

A lot (and I mean a LOT, mine included) of DSM's make a similar sound. In my particular case it is because the rear shims or pad clips for the brake bads are worn and it allows the brake pad/caliper to wobble in it a bit making a clicking sound Drives me absolutely bonkers when it decides to do it.

 

[Cheezit033094]

I found silicone on the guard so I'm assuming the previous owner had this problem before. The way I see it, I have 3 options
1. Cut it off
2. Silicone it back in place
3. Crimp it and tap it back in place.

 

[ErikTande]

Question, did your rattle still happen if you were coasting in neutral?

 

[Cheezit033094]

Yea. Happened as soon as I started to move. Didn't matter the gear or the clutch position.

 

[talontd92tsi]

The thing that makes me want to point it toward the brakes is the statement "The noise stopped when I would hit the brakes." The odds of a rattle being affected by the brakes on the transfer case are slim at best.

Check to see if your rear brakes are rattling.

 

[Cheezit033094]

I thought of that too. The piece is REALLY loose . Pushing the brakes enough would slide it back on. I started driving with it pushed in place and as soon as I heard it, I gently came to a stop. I then got out and checked and it was off. I got back in and started driving but this time, I came to a hard stop. I got out and it managed to push itself back.

 

[Cheezit033094]

I crimped it and tapped it into place. The sound has since disappeared.

 

[DSM1G90]

I had rattling also, but a full brake job took care of that issue, but glad you found yours. While under there, how are the "U" joints?

 

[Cheezit033094]

I'm going to be completely honest. I don't know what to look for with them.

 

[chacedog1]

I'm going to be completely honest. I don't know what to look for with them.

you could hold the shaft (close to the u joint) and push up and down,side to side to see if you get any play in them. you could also use a small pry bar an gently pry between the u joints looking for any play.

 

[DSM1G90]

Don't want that axle to suddenly drop on you, for that would make for some nasty sparks from dragging on the pavement.

What's real bad is the front "U" joint, for if that suddenly drops, major jack-knife the car into orbit syndrome!

 

[chacedog1]

Don't want that axle to suddenly drop on you, for that would make for some nasty sparks from dragging on the pavement.

What's real bad is the front "U" joint, for if that suddenly drops, major jack-knife the car into orbit syndrome!

very true! makes me want to check mine as soon as I get home!