SOLVED! - Rattle is driving me crazy!

I have had a rattle while driving for about 2 weeks now and I can't find where it's coming from.
It's a very random rattle. It kind of sounds like someone is tapping on an aluminum bin in the next room. It also sounds like it's coming from the passenger side. It does it between 35-75mph. Bumps don't effect it.

I have a video but it's 300mb.

I put a stainless hose clamp around a rattling cat heat shield.
I checked the skid plate and I don't think it's that. It has a few busted bolts but it's never rattled before and my last oil change was 7k miles ago.
I checked inner fenders and all are secured.

Could it be my cabin filter? I've never removed it (I don't even know where it is).

I have noticed a slight increase in air (like there's a crack for air to rush into) lately. My windows are fully up. I get that "woosh" sound when I hit even a small wind gust"

Any other ideas or things to check?

 

first, change the cabin air filter for sure!

Double check that cat heat shield. If is has degraded enough to need a hose clamp to keep the clam shell quiet, then it may not be tight enough. Ive had that happen to my 4runner. You can add another hose clamp and really tighten them down, or remove the clam shell shield. I would try that first because those things will rattle with RPM, road vibrations, etc. If still happening after you ensure that is not making noise you can move on to checking other things.

And oddly, i had a minor rattle type noise at speed once and it ended up being the windshield- was cracked/chipped and needed replacement. New one fixed the noise so it was somehow loose, vibrating some for sure.

 

change the cabin filter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWBTPyJChZ8

 

Any work done prior? Check that your brake calipers are tight. Had a tech apparently forget to tighten caliper bolts once and when they suddenly fell out the serious rattle began. Still can't believe it! Just never can trust others 100%. Also check your lug nuts, had someone apparently begin but not complete a wheel theft once. Started down the Interstate with loose lug nuts, angry don't begin to describe!

 

No work in at least 7k miles. I replaced my front calipers and pads a few k before that. Everything rides and feels normal.

I pulled the filter out (don't have a replacement yet, just checking it) and I think it might be the filter covers. Idk who had this before me, but it seems like ever tab and snap clip on this thing is busted or missing. It's becoming annoying.

 

Check all of your shock mounts, lift the front and push and pull on tires as you slightly rotate. Might find worn bearings, ball joints, bushings. Also check steering rack mounts.

 

Verify it isn't something in doorpockets or console, etc. Jack and tools.

 

I'm beginning to think it's the flap for the fresh/recirculation. I hear a "woosh" sound and thumping off and on. I'm thinking I might have debris or a malfunction there. I've noticed the recirculation button works and the fan kicks in but I don't notice as much difference between the two.

I'll have to research to figure out how the hvac system works, where the flap is located and where the external vent is located.

 

External intake under cowling at base of windshield pass side. Add a rodent screen to it too!

 

I'll have a look in the next few days. I've seen the horrors of what chipmunks and field mice do to these trucks. I may as well rodent detour if it's all out.

I hate chipmunks.

 

if you still looking for the rattle check , brake backing plates, the heat shields mounted to the under body, and go through out the exhaust bottom palm of the fist giving it whacks to hear if any inside is rattling.

 

No one gonna try "rattlesnake in the fuel tank"? Cuz the snake in the tank thing is not a joke.

 

I checked the cabin filter and cowling. The blower fan feels solid, spins free with no wobble. I pulled the shelf from the glove box to make sure that wasn't it. I still have the noise.

I checked my inner fender and everything seems to be in place. The satellite antenna and am/fm antenna both are ridged and not moving.

I'm at a loss. The noise seems to be getting louder and more frequent. It sounds like a gust of wind slapping aluminum shutters. It's completely random. It does it between 40-75mph.

What else should I check?

 

Passenger upper ball joint. They develop a gap as they wear down and eventually becomes big enough that there’s enough play to make rattling noises.

 

Have you had someone else drive so you can move around the cabin and listen for the noise?

Makes a huge difference when you change seat position and are able to press on panels and things while the truck is moving.

 

There is a wiring harness in the engine bay on the firewall on the passenger side near the back plugs that was tapping the firewall for me, I zip tied it and the tapping went away. Check that. Sorry I dont have my truck with me at work to take a pic.

 

So.... I found the source... doesn't this go on the driver's side? I found it jammed between the frame and other guards on the passenger side. Mounting holes are completely eroded away.



Found it here...

 

good work, cant imagine the relief you feel lol

 

I want to know how it got there...

 

Did you buy the truck used? I would bet some mechanic knocked it off accidentally and didnt want his manager or the owner to see what they did, and just crammed it somewhere.

 

On the bright side it shows you which way to stick your D.

 

It's possible. I bought it 2 years ago, but that doesn't mean it didn't come loose.

 

Did your rattle occur during normal engine idle? I’m getting a rattle from under the hood. Seems like passenger side.

 

Yeah it did. It could have been happening while driving too, i just wasnt able to hear it due to normal engine noises and my sweet ass DD exhaust lol. Even if it isnt doing it, not a bad idea to tie it off in case it decides to start at some point in the future.

 

Aww damn
Same part was loose on my 08cm and haven't bothered to see where it goes lol
Now I know and I hear that's 1/2 the battle
I did get those big lock rings to secure it

$9 Rexka 30pcs Splash Shield & Wheel Well Push-On Retainers for Volkswagen & Audi N90-335-006 N90335006

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07MVZ5GDN