Rattling Noise, Balance Shaft?

[SinaiTSi]

I made a post about this earlier here:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195068

and I was going to buy a Balance Shaft eliminator kit so that I would be rid of the problem as stated in the earlier forum, but I was thinking about it and I really don't seem to notice a "noticeable vibration" between the rpms that makes the rattling noise. Even though I don't notice a vibration, would it still be the Balance Shaft and would removing it be a simple solution or do I actually have to adjust it to be rid of this noise. The car is very frustrating and embarassing to drive because of this and I was wondering if anyone could help me with it. Thanks a lot.

 

[gsx_tuner]

Hey man, I've got the same year. I noticed that I had many a viabration sounds coming from under the hood at certain RPM's. Here are some things that I think you should check.

1. HEAT SHIELDS: The heat shields that are on the exhaust can rattle against anything. There is one on the manifold and in front of the turbo, but you might also want to see if there is one on the catalytic converter.

2. The other side of the timing belt cover that bolts near the head. Behind the cam gears, there are two (one on each side) metal covers, if they are not secured, they will rattle.

3. Make sure your pulleys are okay, and even your waterpump. I have seen water pumps rust up real good and make noise.

4. EXHAUST: Make sure your exhaust is all secured on it's hangers and stuff. If the rubber breaks or anything, it could be laying over on the body or something.

Hope this helps. -Ross from GODFATHER DSM Wichita Falls, TX

 

[SinaiTSi]

Thanks alot, I didn't even think to look for those things. I'll post back and let you know what's going on and if that fixed the problem. Oh yeah, i checked your profile and I'm really glad you were joking about the downforce wing. Haha.

 

[Fayt]

I have a very noticeable rattle, and I only hear it when I am engine braking between 2500-2000 rpms... It sounds like metal clanking, and under 2000 it stops. Any ideas?

 

[SinaiTSi]

Hey, my 2 heat shields are secure and I don't believe I have one on my cat. I was almost positive that those two metal covers was the problem and when I looked at my car, the cover on the right side wasn't fastened, so I took a bolt and I fastened that down, when i turned on the car though, I almost noticed more vibration and the buzzing noise at 2,500 rpm definitely did not go away. I'm also almost positive that it does have something to do within the area of my timing belt because my car never had this problem till, I had my timing belt changed and then it started making this noise, like the guys at the shop didn't put something back on right. I would just take it back but it's been too long and they wouldn't believe me. Any more ideas would be appreciated.

 

[gsx_tuner]

I have a very noticeable rattle, and I only hear it when I am engine braking between 2500-2000 rpms... It sounds like metal clanking, and under 2000 it stops. Any ideas?

I would check your calipers. Weird things can happen. My friend's awd had one that somehow the pads on the right rear came off, and the piston would come out and hit the rotor! If I were you, I would take the wheels off, and carefully inspect the lines and callipers. If one isn't bolted down right or something, and when fluid goes to it, it would make it flex.

 

[gsx_tuner]

Hey, my 2 heat shields are secure and I don't believe I have one on my cat. I was almost positive that those two metal covers was the problem and when I looked at my car, the cover on the right side wasn't fastened, so I took a bolt and I fastened that down, when i turned on the car though, I almost noticed more vibration and the buzzing noise at 2,500 rpm definitely did not go away. I'm also almost positive that it does have something to do within the area of my timing belt because my car never had this problem till, I had my timing belt changed and then it started making this noise, like the guys at the shop didn't put something back on right. I would just take it back but it's been too long and they wouldn't believe me. Any more ideas would be appreciated.

How about the timing belt cover? There are many of those little 10mm bolts that go everywhere on it. The hardest one to remove or even re-install is the one right by the water pump. I would make sure that all the bolts are in, and snug. You might have to remove the pulleys and mount to get a better view and angle. I also like to jack the motor up a little bit.

 

[ddavisaf]

If you suspect your balance shaft bearings drain your oil into a clear catch pan. Strain the oil out of the pan and look for metal shavings while you're doing it. This will show you if you've got an issue that relates to internal damage. Whether it be a connecting rod bearing, balance shaft bearing, etc.

Other things to check (I did not read through the link) would be your motor and transmission mounts.

Support the car on jackstands and climb underneath of the car after it's cooled down. There are usually a couple of heatshields that cannot be seen from the engine bay. Make sure they're secure as suggested.

 

[cdale]

I'll be honest, I've got the same thing happening and the kicker for me was I took it into my mechanic and he just lifted the hood and held the rpms up to 2-3k and listened for the knocking sound... it was still there. I think that's the given point for me. If it still makes the noise when your not moving... its not a vibration from outside the motor. Also he had a stethiscope (sp) and was able to listen around in different places.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[wolf20043]

I'll be honest, I've got the same thing happening and the kicker for me was I took it into my mechanic and he just lifted the hood and held the rpms up to 2-3k and listened for the knocking sound... it was still there. I think that's the given point for me. If it still makes the noise when your not moving... its not a vibration from outside the motor. Also he had a stethiscope (sp) and was able to listen around in different places.
Just my 2 cents.

Julias '92 had a bad rattle....sounded like MAJOR lifter tick.Turned out to be the bearings on the #1 connecting rod and both balance shafts spun. So the checking oil for metal shavings is a good place to look next.
Mike

 

[SinaiTSi]

I'll be honest, I've got the same thing happening and the kicker for me was I took it into my mechanic and he just lifted the hood and held the rpms up to 2-3k and listened for the knocking sound... it was still there. I think that's the given point for me. If it still makes the noise when your not moving... its not a vibration from outside the motor. Also he had a stethiscope (sp) and was able to listen around in different places.
Just my 2 cents.

I know my car makes that noise when it isn't moving because I've tried it, but did you ever get it fixed or just decided to leave it. And if it was fixed what was the problem.

 

[sonicnofadz]

This might sound a little unsafe, but if you know someone you can trust it will be fine.

Put your car on ramps. Get under your car, have your friend start the car, and start reving the engine up to 2500-3000 rpms. Listen for where the rattling sound is coming from. If it is coming from a heatshield then you know what your problem is. If its coming from inside the oilpan (bearings) then your screwed-drop the oilpan and see what damage has been done.

 

[SinaiTSi]

Luckily, I live next to a guy that owns an 800 HP Nova. Yeah, 800 HP and 900 lb./tq at 1800 rpm. Anyways, this guy knows quite a lot about cars. I was afraid to ask him at first because he's a huge american muscle guy but i was desperate. He looked at the car and got underneath and told me to get it up to 2500 rpms. I did and it made that annoying rattling noise, well he grabbed a hammer and knocked on the catalyic converter shield and the rattling stopped. I'm incredibly glad now. I appreciate everyone's help and I'm sorry for the guys that I didn't listen to about the cat. Apparently when my car was worked on, the head was pulled so the cat was bumped a little loose. I'm also really glad that it wasn't internal problems. Thanks guys.

 

[cdale]

Damn you're lucky. I wish that was only my problem. (no cat)

 

[Fayt]

Well, I fixed my rattle. I jacked up the car and there was my problem. The heatshields on the downpipe were rusted completely through, and barely hanging out. Ripped those suckers off