Rattling noise during accel - 99 SLE V6

[pvanbuskirk]

Hello,

I'm new to this site (1st post) so I hope this is the right forum for my question.

My 1999 Solara SLE V6 recently developed a rattle underneath the driver's side. It only seems to happen when I accellerate or let up off of the gas pedal (throttle?). I think it also happens when I take left turns and not right turns but I can't be sure. A friend listened to it and he thinks it could be a loose part of the muffler or exhaust system. I've seen other posts here that suggest it might be a busted shock. Has anyone else seen and/or fixed this problem? Are there any TSBs out that directly address this issue (I couldn't locate any)?

The car has 76,000 miles on it and is well maintained. It hasn't yet been to it's 75,000 mile service but I will do that in about 2 weeks. If I can't resolve it myself I'll ask them to check it out.

Thanks for any help and/or advice.

Peter

[Somedude]

go to a local Toyota dealer and have them check it out.

[pvanbuskirk]

go to a local Toyota dealer and have them check it out.

Thanks for the reply. I said in the original post that I'm going to do that if I get no ideas here. Was hoping that someone else has come across this and already fixed it.

[chris2571]

I have a similar problem on my 99 se. I usually only hear when im at like 2800 rpm or so in pretty much any gear. Sounds like a cross between a buzz and a rattle. I have no idea what it is and id be interested in finding out what you discover.

[woa_its_j3ff]

it happened to my car too, i checked it out and i found out it was the spare tire jack ratteling.. not sure if it's the same case with you. just thought Id let you take note of that..

[SolaraPete]

I had a rattle in my '99 SEV6 at around 2k RPM. Turned out to be the lower catalytic converter cover. Apparently some of the mounting points had rusted and at that RPM it would rattle against the converter. Just cut it the rest of the way off and its fixed.

[Gregtrd]

could be a engine mount, open you hood and put your e-brake and put it in drive and then reverse and give some gas and see how much the engine pivits. where are you located.

[pvanbuskirk]

I usually only hear when im at like 2800 rpm or so in pretty much any gear.

Right. After probing a bit more I find that I hear mine between 2000 and 2500 RPM but usually only at low speeds like 20-30 mph. At higher speeds the rattle/buzz probably just happens so quickly that it doesn't throw much noise. Also I think it is louder when the car has just been started and everything is cold.

i checked it out and i found out it was the spare tire jack ratteling

Thanks - I'll check the jack and make sure it's secure.

I had a rattle in my '99 SEV6 at around 2k RPM. Turned out to be the lower catalytic converter cover. Apparently some of the mounting points had rusted and at that RPM it would rattle against the converter. Just cut it the rest of the way off and its fixed.

This is my top theory right now. I can definately hear it down by the catalytic converter and muffler. Is it safe to cut off the cover? I don't know a lot about cars, but it seems like that would be there for a reason. Should it be replaced rather than cut off?

could be a engine mount, open you hood and put your e-brake and put it in drive and then reverse and give some gas and see how much the engine pivits. where are you located.

Ok - I'll look at this after I investigate the catalytic converter. I'm located in Virginia.

Separately from your comments, is there a place online where I can find a diagram for the undercarriage of my car? It'd be nice to see some kind of blueprint for all this stuff so I know where to find components.

Peter

[SolaraPete]

As far as I know and from what it looked like, it seems to just deflect road debris from direct contact with the catalytic converter. You may want to keep an eye out if you park in some tall dry grass, i suppose the heat "could" start a fire in those conditions. Personally i didnt see the point in replacing it. I'm sure any shop could spot weld it back on if you wanted.

[dominoSLEV6]

MY 99 SE had a ratling noise for a while that happned not in any certain RPMS but it was indeed the cover on the catylitic converter, one end had rusted and the other end was holding it on. The rusted end was free and bounced around, clanign and creating some noises. Don;t think it's the same in your case, but it's worth a look.

-chris

[pvanbuskirk]

Great. Thanks very much for your posts. I'll put up a resolution when I figure out what my issue is and fix it.

[pvanbuskirk]

Great. Thanks very much for your posts. I'll put up a resolution when I figure out what my issue is and fix it.

Resolution: Took it to the dealer. He said it was the catalytic converter cover and proceeded to cut it all the way off. Told me not to park in tall grass. Thanks all for the help.