Rattle sounds like exhaust but its not the exhaust!

If you're seeing metal bits when the diff. fluid is coming out... as soon as you friggin can drain that fluid & put fresh fluid in. Get some gasket maker/sealer stuff (like $4 at any auto parts store or walmart) because you'll need it for when you put the diff. cover back on (do NOT re-use old gasket!).

This doesn't sound like the culprit. Check for a rear sway bar. If a rear sway bar ISN'T there... check to see if it was broken off or if somebody took it off. When my rear sway bar broke off (POS stock sway bar) it made a rattling noise when first taking off occassionally. Also, check obvious things like something that could rattle in your trunk.

HTH.

-Mike

Oh and the reason I ask if it was broken off... is b/c the ends of the rear sway bar are still connected then & you can remove them and the rattle will go away.. but *please* get a better, high-quality rear sway bar in its place.

-Mike

I'll stick 2 cents in. I think that all cars will make noise if you don't have enough rpm and you release the clutch to fast. Especially if only happens when you say it happens. I bet the car bucks a little to. That said try to tighten the crosssmember bolts that hold the transmisssion. As far as the differential is concerned you stated files are we talking metal flakes or bigger pieces? I'm wondering if the rear gears were changed?

The noise: Heat shield.

The cheapest and easiest fix for these symptoms, if, indeed, this turns out to be the culprit. It's loose and rattling - just reach in, wiggle it back and forth until it breaks off, and problem solved.

As to the fluid, I'd wash off the underbody and check it again after a time. See if this is a current leak and how much it leaks, if it still does.

dwight (My guess. What do I get if I win?)

You win a McDonalds Cheeseburger if you win.

-Mike

Nobody said Cheeseburger at the start of this thread, so I'd better put mine in here too now. Here's something quick and easy to look for. On my Windstar I had a rattle that did just what you described and I checked my exhaust too for the typical things, but not until it was up on a hoist did I find the slightly loose sensor on the exhaust, you could move it with your fingers. Might be worth a check if you haven't already.

Doug

snipped-for-privacy@recorddeal.com wrote:

LOL doug... yep.. prize is a cheeseburger, your treat.

-Mike

hey guys thanks a bunch for all the suggesstions- i will check em all out and let you know! best cawas