I own a 2000 Subaru Outback with 41k miles and I've had a rattle emanating from the front underside of the car when I accelerate; especially up hill.
I've taken the car to a Subaru shop and the mechanic said a protective plate for the exhaust was loose. The plate was riveted in place and the rattle disappeared for several weeks. This cost me 30 minutes of labor or $40
Recently, the problem has reoccurred. I spoke to the repair shop and they said that the best thing is to cut the plate off, free of additional charge. I'm no automotive engineer, but I'd imagine Subaru put the plate there for a reason.
I realize these symptoms are vague, but has anyone else experienced a similar problem? Does this solution seem reasonable, or is my mechanic just lazy?
Thank you,
Joe Antol