Cabin vibrations

[DamoR]

I have a stainless steel exhaust and quite often when I open the car up and give it some revs the exhaust sends a horrible vibrating noise through the cabin. Anybody got any ideas what areas could be to blame and how to rectify them. What I don't understand is that when I bought this car it already had the exhaust fitted and it didn't vibrate but does now?!? The noise can be heard mostly towards the rear but sometimes under the facia too.

I originally thought it was the parcel shelf but after driving with the tray removed the noise was still apparent

Another idea is that my exhuast needs moving as it doesn't sit centrally in the aperture in the bumper so it could be touching the corner and sending a vibration throught the bumper..?

Any ideas??

 

[owen lcr]

hi there, i have just got this problem with my blueflame... i have found that the rear of the centre pipe is tapping against the heat sheild under where the spare wheel sits.. mite not be the same but worth a look

 

[DamoR]

Cheers Owen I'll take a look tomorrow in the daylight. I'll let you know how I got on.

 

[J@mes]

my guess would be that the rear box bend over the rear axle is to blame (touching/vibrating against it!) either that or the a heat shield?!



my bf is fine, no rattles at all... when i had it fitted i said to them is there much clearance over the rear beam as i will be lowering my car in the future, and they said they took that into account when the system was designed.... and since lowering and even with 4 ppl and luggage its ok!


but i also guess its down to the fitter as well (if the system is poorly fitted!)

 

[DamoR]

James I've ran this car for a few months with no vibrations though. They have just started for some reason unless it's because of the outside temperature and expanding and contracting of pipes..? However, all you said makes sense I'm starting to think it's the actual exhaust, or like you say a loose heat shield. Some years ago I had a rover coupe and the heat shield was missing a fixing. I never used to hear a rattle in the first few minutes of driving but as the car heated up and the pipe expanded an annoying vibration would occur.

Given how the fitter left the exhaust not central in the aperture questions its overall fit. I can't believe the previous owner got to the garage and accepted the position it was in! If it had been me it would have had to come off and be done again. I personally think the pipe is to long.It needs a shorter tailpipe so the backbox can be move sideways which currently it cannot. I may buy a blue flame in the coming months if one pops up for sale. By that time this one will have been adjusted and I can sell it on.

 

[J@mes]

check out the heat shields then, you never know, worth a look!

 

[DamoR]

I hope your right buddy I can turn my stereo down then

 

[J@mes]

he he

 

[NeilC]

I've had this rattle when i rev'd the engine and thought it was the exhaust. Turned out to be the rear bit of plastic in the boot thats held on with clips under the rubber seal and two big plastic screws at the bottom. Took it off and no more rattles so stuck some foam on the back and job done. The exhaust must've caused it to resonate.
Also maybe check your spare is screwed in tightly?

 

[DamoR]

Neil sounds promising any chance you can post up a pic of the part in question please and I will go check. It's not the exhaust or the undertray I had a look this morning.

Also checked the wheel was tight in place and it was.

 

[DamoR]

Neil just had a look and I think you have found my problem. Don't know whether the boot carpet (part you lift to get to your wheel) should sit underneath the three rear pieces of plastic trim, but I placed carpet under the trim and the noise was reduced. Tomorrow I will remove the trim and add some insulation to hopefully remove my vibration. The whole car has been dynamatted by the previous owner and I guess he didn't refit the trim correctly and it is now vibrating on the rear part of the body.

 

[NeilC]

That was a good guess then
It is strange how that bit don't have any foam on the back when the bit's either side do?
Also put some insulation tape around the clips so that they fit more securely.
It is a bit of a pain to get off, but if you take the two screws off and give it a proper yank upwards it should come out. Maybe easier pulling on one side of it so your only pulling on a few clips at a time.

I just punched everything till i found out what was/wasn't solid, seems to do the job.

 

[DamoR]

Cheers for the advice Neil I'#ll have a go tomorrow. Fingers crossed it wont be raining for the first weekend in weeks so I can wash it as well!