Chasing down a vibration noise

[Elkins45]

Next to an intermittent electrical fault there’s nothing more annoying than trying to find a rattle. My 09 Scion has started making a really annoying buzzing rattle from somewhere in the rear. I unloaded everything in the back including the jack, spare and other assorted gear but that wasn’t it. Arrgghhh! My first thought was maybe the back hatch glass is loose but I believe that it is glued in. It seems to be a harmonic because hitting bumps doesn’t cause it but it’s somehow influenced by holding the brakes at a stoplight. Exhaust bracket maybe?

I’m hoping something will be obvious when I crawl under it tomorrow. I was planning on putting it up for sale soon but who would buy it when it’s making noises?

 

[Pterostylis]

Similar sounding thing happened to a relatives car that I service, I tracked it down to something in the rear muffler. Probably a collapsed baffle as it’s over 20 years old but I guess some idiot could have put a marble in there.
I will fit the new muffler for them this weekend.

 

[CharBaby]

If you’re saying that the vibration is in the rear, I’ve often had to fix the muffler heat shield on vehicles. A rivet(s) that are mounted to that shield, above the muffler(attached to the underside of the trunk) had broken/rotted, causing the vibration. Hmmm IDK, give it a look see!

 

[rob0781]

I find when I have that problem usually soon after my exhaust gets louder or breaks off, it almost seems like it's cracked and causing those noises. Can't say for sure just been my experience especially with older toyotas, 02 echo, 08 sienna and 09 yaris.

 

[Passport1]

Had an annoying 'clunk' in the left rear quarter of my Suzuki Grand Vitara. Put on a new set of rear shocks but that didn't fix it. Muffler hangers, heat shield all ok. No loose gear or jack handles adrift under storage compartments. Thought it might be the left upper control arm ball joint so took the vehicle to an indy shop. They quickly dx'd it as several loose body to frame bolts. The Vitara is built like a pick up truck; separate frame. I would have never thought of that.

How come when it comes to cars there are never any 'Good Vibrations'? nod to the Beach Boys

 

[Elkins45]

If you’re saying that the vibration is in the rear, I’ve often had to fix the muffler heat shield on vehicles. A rivet(s) that are mounted to that shield, above the muffler(attached to the underside of the trunk) had broken/rotted, causing the vibration. Hmmm IDK, give it a look see!

You were close. One of the mounting points for the exhaust had rusted through and it was rattling on the gas tank bracket. It was a 15 minute fix including jacking it up and setting the jack stands. I just wired it right with some stove wire.

 

[Nukeman7]

You were close. One of the mounting points for the exhaust had rusted through and it was rattling on the gas tank bracket. It was a 15 minute fix including jacking it up and setting the jack stands. I just wired it right with some stove wire.

You're well on the way to earning your McGyver badge! The next problem must be repaired with only duct tape and a paperclip.

 

[CharBaby]

Great!
Will you be fixing it permanently?

 

[Elkins45]

Great!
Will you be fixing it permanently?

I thought I just did

In this particular case I would need to either tack weld the bracket back in place or replace that whole section of exhaust. I think I’ll just wait until there’s a hole in the pipe or the muffler before doing that. My temporary fix is a pretty strong one.

 

[PandaBear]

I have seen broken snap in plastic clip probably from my experience. I have seen many went away after taking those plastic panel out and broken clips replaced.