Rattling Exhaust - causes?

click86

This evening, I noticed a rattling sound in my 2012 Ford Fiesta when idling.

It originally sounded like it was coming from the front of the car, either under the hood or the wheel arch (driver side) but it soon went away.

The 'tone' of the noise changed when I had my clutch in (tried it a few times).

When I got home, I left the car running to take a look and it was now making a strange rattling sound from the middle/back end of the car.

Sounds like it might be coming from the far end of the silencer (the opposite side to where the exhaust fumes exit).

It almost sounds like a quick clicking sound - I imagine a loose bolt or something causing some slight movement.

I tried to give the exhaust a bit of a wiggle, to check if it had snapped, but didn't feel any movement.

The silencer looks weirdly corroded, especially where the exhaust fumes exit but could just be surface rust?

I understand it could be a number of things but any ideas as to what this might be (hopefully just a loose bolt as suspected) and approx price to fix?

Thanks!

chrisw

Some ideas:-

Check the bolts and also the mounting points which can snap off. If theres nothing obvious, then it could be the metal baffles inside the silencer which have rusted loose. The mounting points can be welded back if its not too rusty, the loose baffles can usually be left provided the exhaust isn't blowing (holed) but will always be rattley. It might last a couple of months or a couple of years. The only real fix is a new exhaust which shouldnt be too espensive on a Fiesta. 

Also check the metal heat shields attached to the car at vaious points where the exhaust runs close. The mounting holes on these often rust and enlarge but can often be reaffixed using a large washer.

JustAnotherSaver

Don't suppose you have or know anyone with jacks, axle stands or car ramps?

click86

Thanks both, unfortunately I'm not really a 'car person' so no jack to identify the cause.

It's going into a trusted garage on Monday but after a quick phone call today they think it may be the heat shield causing vibration.

Obviously they cannot say for definite until they see it though.

AdrianC

click86 said:

Thanks both, unfortunately I'm not really a 'car person' so no jack to identify the cause.

Not even in the boot with the spare wheel?

TadleyBaggie

Pretty sure a Fiesta of that age will not have a spare wheel, my daughter's 2011 only has puncture repair kit,

click86

That's right, the 2012 Fiesta only has the tyre inflation kit, rather than a spare tyre.

Took it into the garage today and it was the heat shield. Quick job and they even sorted it free of charge, which really made my day!

nottsphil

click86 said:

Took it into the garage today and it was the heat shield. Quick job and they even sorted it free of charge, which really made my day!

Blimey, I'll be amazed if this wasn't the garage which serviced or sold you the car!