[ryansquires88]

my mazda has just developed what sounds to be like an exhaust rattle that seems like its under the passenger floorboard. It is on and off right now but mostly happens at low rpms and sometimes when its at idle. What could this possibly be? Is this anything i should worry about?

 

[Crimsonmt]

It could be the auto belt tensioner. That tends to be the culprit most of the time.

 

[MrTea]

if it's under the car, it's typically the heat shielding that is in the exhuast tunnel. give it a few wacks with a mallot, or get some rubberized undercoating on the back side of it can help as well....though it means pulling it off first.

 

[ryansquires88]

It has been a couple months now and this sound is getting more predominant. I seem to think that it couple be the tranny mounts, or something loose like a belt tentioner. Anybody think this couple be the issue or if im on the right track here? Another thing about it that's weird is that it seems to stop when i throw the car in neutral. The more ideas the better here everybody. Thanks for everyone's time.

 

[MrTea]

i would revise the issue, as originally the issue was UNDER the car?

many vibration noises change when the car is/isn't in gear. on the atx, the engine is loaded and trying to move forward, your food on the brakes holds it still. putting it in neutral takes the load of the engine and it's not working to do anything anymore.

the trans mount isn't a common issue, the rear is VERY common, the passenger side a not often but much more than the trans mount.

 

[azndan]

funny, i have the same noise. Same issues. When sitting idle at a light or very slow speed the sound comes up. Throw it in neutral and noise dies down.

I personally think it's the heatshield, but haven't had time to check. As i have never dealt with belt tensioners, would the problem be noticed if the belt has too much slack?

My sound just sounds like a piece of metal hanging somewhere and rattling :S

 

[MrTea]

the belt tensioner is more clicking that a rattle in my opinion, as it's a heavier piece with the belt against it so it's a completely different sound.

the heat shield is a common annoying rattle on just about every car. something comes a little loose, a rock or something flies up during driving and just puts enough of a ding in it to barely touch something else....it happens. on our cars the other one is engine mounts (mostly rear), as the rubber starts to go you have more weight pushing against the metal on the bottom. When the engine is loaded it rotates just a bit as it tries to move forward, just enough to create an annoying sound.

again, i hate troubleshooting sounds as what makes complete sense to someone on one side of the computer has nothing to do with what the owner hears on their car.

 

[azndan]

totally understandable explanation of the sound Mrtea. My rattle only started after i rode through some crazy snow conditions the past weekend, maybe it made the heatshield loosen up or something. Gonna see if i can take a look at it this weekend. Thanks.

 

[DarkRyder]

could also be the catalytic converter going out. They can also create a rattle when the elements inside break down.

 

[azndan]

could also be the catalytic converter going out. They can also create a rattle when the elements inside break down.

For that situation the sound would be coming from the rear of the car though right? Mine comes from the front passenger side.

 

[MrTea]

the cat is roughly below the shifter almost, so it's the right area. many time however i find the dead cat sound comes up a lot at deceleration and sometimes acceleration as well. not usually just an idle load noise.

 

[DarkRyder]

no it would be coming from the cat itself. picture someone with a few screws in a coffee can, and shaking it. a cat is pretty much fill with a bunch of the rocks you see in a charcoal grill. when a cat goes bad they can break up and make noise.

 

[azndan]

hmm, well i guess that can be one of my things to check when i try to take care of this pesty issue this weekend. Thanks for the replies guys, i will report back on monday

 

[ryansquires88]

please do report back and lets us know how it goes. Good luck man

 

[azndan]

well i was trying to figure out that noise today and had no luck. The lower engine mount is still good and the heatshield both top and bottom are on tight. The only thing i did do was change my transmission oil as it was dark brown.

 

[ERABBIT23]

if this is the sound at idle its the belt tensioner....

I have one for sale with a new belt if its for a Speed 6. The tensioner was $180 from Mazda and belt was $30 I am looking for $150 shipped. If interested let me know! Reason I am selling is the car sits for winter so I was waiting till winter was over to install it and I decided to trade the car in.

 

[azndan]

too bad my car isn't a speed 6, but a 6i. Guess i will look into inspecting my belt tensioner

 

[cgirard4057]

had both problems... Now i just have the belt tensioner problem. heat shield is very common... tightened the bolts 6 months ago... was loose again then fixed it... belt tensioner kicks on when ac compressor kicks on... (or defroster)

 

[azndan]

atleast the tensioner is cheaper. The dealer quoted me 65$

 

[azndan]

this problem still isn't going away.

Changed the belt tensioner on the weekend and i still get the noise. It's very prominent when you put the car in reverse or sitting at idle.