Recently my car (2008 Vauxhall Zafira) has started making a metallic rattling sound when (a) the engine is turning over at very low revs (i.e. when starting the engine) and (b) when going over bumps. When the engine is idling, or when driving along on a smooth road, the noise disappears. I can recreate the noise by grabbing hold of the exhaust pipe at the back of the car and wiggling it from side to side, so I assume that the noise is due to some bit of metal coming loose and banging around.
I'm quite keen to fix this myself; can anybody suggest a more specific first troubleshooting step than "crawl underneath the car when it's cool and try to find the loose part"? I have no way of raising the car up, but I reckon if I park it with one side on the curb I can get underneath and take a look.
If successful, I will update this thread with my findings :-)
posted by primer_dimer
on May 28, 2013 -
14 answers
Whether to install a gable exhaust fan in my attic and which of 3 gable vents to install it on?
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posted by resurrexit
on May 9, 2013 -
8 answers
How do I wire my new bathroom exhaust fan? The old fan has three functions (fan, light, nightlight) and therefore connects to a triple switch on the wall. It also means that there are two runs of wire to it. The new fan has only two functions (fan, light) and therefore only needs one run of wire. How do I wire this thing up; what do I do with the extra run of wire?
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posted by TinWhistle
on Nov 13, 2011 -
9 answers
What, if anything, can you tell me about the really weird stove exhaust in my weird old apartment? Pics inside.
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posted by slow graffiti
on Jan 15, 2011 -
4 answers
We just bought a house, and the bathroom fan currently vents into the attic. I know this isn't good, and I have done a bunch of googling, but I still have questions. Like: who should do the work -- a roofer, a handyman, someone else? Is it better to vent through the roof or through the wall, as our handyman suggests? Any other things I should know?
posted by trillian
on May 14, 2008 -
10 answers
I thought I was doing an environmentally smart thing by switching our dryer vent to an indoor water filtered vent in the winter, but a friend claims the fumes may be harmful. Crap or not crap?
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posted by Toekneesan
on Oct 13, 2007 -
24 answers
How do I eliminate noise from 20ft of 3in PVC exhaust pipe without reducing pipe diameter or airflow?
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posted by kuujjuarapik
on Oct 9, 2007 -
8 answers
When buying exhaust flex pipes like
these, to fit over an H-pipe with a diameter of 2.5", would you buy the flex pipes with the 2.5" outlet diameter or do you need something bigger?
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posted by Venadium
on Jun 2, 2007 -
1 answer
Harley paint and exhaust. Two part question. I've decided not to sell the pig and to at least be a weekend warrior. But my loud exhaust won't work here in this neighborhood. Read more...
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posted by snsranch
on Dec 2, 2006 -
4 answers
Aside from not driving behind other vehicles, how do you keep ambient exhaust fumes out of your car cabin during a commute? Filters? Ionization? Impossible?
posted by parallax7d
on Dec 21, 2005 -
5 answers
Weird theoretical question filter: At the moment, gas exhaust from cars rises, and produces a layer of smog above large cities. If everyone used hydrogen fuel cells, this exhaust would be water vapor. Does this mean that it would often be rainy or cloudy due to this water exhaust? If not, what would happen?
posted by unreason
on Jan 10, 2005 -
18 answers
Why are motorcycles with EXTREMELY loud exhausts allowed to be built and used in this country (US)? I'm talking about those Harley types that can be heard for a mile, and are so loud that they literally hurt your ears. I can be in my house with the windows closed and when one goes by, I can't hear anything but the noise of the exhaust. And forget about driving and having one next to you -- it's simply deafening.
Aren't there any noise laws to prevent this??
posted by eas98
on Dec 16, 2004 -
56 answers
What are the primary gases produced by propane combustion? I was just told a story about a nearby warehouse, very high ceilings, 2600 sq ft, which is being heated by umbrella-style outdoor propane heaters (think of outdoor restaurants in LA, for you left coasters). Visions of dead people litter my mind, consequently. Am I right, or confused with regard to the exhaust? Please provide authoritative links so I can pass this along without being confrontational.
posted by mwhybark
on Nov 4, 2004 -
6 answers
