Anyone looking for the noise coming from the back? Here's the culprit

[radlynx]

Is there anyone looking for the rear noise when you go thru a pot hole or any slight road imperfection? Here's the culprit. I was looking for that for a long time and was searching for it from the suspension and noticed that the suspension doesn't have any loose connection. So, I had this spotlight looking for anything very unusual and found that the noise is coming from the heat shield of the muffler. The 4 holes to attach it to the body has for some reason got bigger and bigger (aluminum decaying) and ended up just dangling from there. So here's my theory, when you go thru an uneven road, it just keeps banging there thus making that noise.

See the picture. You'll see 4 holes. that's huge. That's the size of the nut itself. I haven't driven it yet but will keep everybody posted.

 

[Rjsimeon]

definitely keep us posted....i'll be looking at it tomorrow

 

[A/V1]

We had a similar issue when my wife had her Mitsu Eclipse. Wasn't nearly as big of a piece that was loose, so I just removed it and never reinstalled it. And made sure we never parked on anything that could ignite! :flamethrwoer2:

 

[Xanderith]

Can you describe the noise, recently I've noticed a rattle type seemingly from the lift-gate area. Been about 2 weeks since it started and since I installed the FJC springs and 5100 earlier this week it seams to have gotten worse, but that could just be coincidental though.

 

[TechWrench]

The heat shield over the muffler coming loose is a common problem. I fixed mine years ago by using wide fender washers to help the factory nuts hold it in place.

 

[radlynx]

I thought that noise was coming from my rear shocks since after I replaced it, a few thousand miles later, it started happening. Now I realize that it's just coincidental. The noise I hear is something like someone is knocking in the back. I checked all stuff that might be loose inside the cabin but things were tight.

I used the same heat shield and used a bigger washer to hold it in place. I just don't want to remove it and throw it away since I can still use it with a washer. saves me a maybe around $50. I just don't want to get that floor area to heat up on long drives. I have the 3rd row seat so it's a must.

Can you describe the noise, recently I've noticed a rattle type seemingly from the lift-gate area. Been about 2 weeks since it started and since I installed the FJC springs and 5100 earlier this week it seams to have gotten worse, but that could just be coincidental though.

 

[radlynx]

So, I tested it this morning and noticed a big difference. I can still hear some noise there and will have to check the shock absorber this time.

 

[radlynx]

I removed my loose fire extinguisher in the back and I actually could not hear anymore noise in the back when I go on a bumpy roads. my suspension components and bushings are actually fine. So the fix for me is the rear muffler heat shield. I used a bigger washer to reattach it to floor bolts.

So, I tested it this morning and noticed a big difference. I can still hear some noise there and will have to check the shock absorber this time.

 

[M1911]

I've gone through a bunch of heat shields. They can make a ton of noise.