BIG Rattle - help please

[Shane Hodges]

Driving around the M25 (70 - 80 mph), it sounded as though I drove over something on the left hand side of the car.

Then this slight noise started - it sounded at first as though the windscreen was creaking a bit from the centre. However, over the next 10 miles it started sounding as though there was something rattling around in a large open area behind the centre vents / below the windscreen where the winscreen wipers attach.

This is not a constant noise (and is not a vibration) - it is a rattle that sounds as though something has got into the ventiliation system. It only happens ocassionally at speed (I have not heard it below 40mph) and seems to be worse going up or downhill. Sometimes all is fine at 70 mph and then it makes one hell of a row - and it is loud. AirCon on or off makes no difference. I also seem to have a whistle now at speed (could be coincidence.)

Has anyone any ideas? Plus, if it might be the ventiliation system, is there easy access to it to have a look? Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Shane Hodges]

Thanks Maurice.

Does that mean getting the wheel off to remove the inner lining of the wheel arch or is there another route in? I'm in the dark here!

 

[Shane Hodges]

OK, noddy question.

I can see the air intakes from inside the bonnet (I thought about trying to disconnect here and stick a vacuum in, but not sure of a) the damage I'd do or b) if I'd get them back together)

However, where are the air intakes from the outside? Is it just the grille at the front, or are there some tucked away elsewhere? I don't have the ability to get the car on a ramp to have a good look underneath.

Cheers,

 

[Shane Hodges]

I can see the Rads both sides and it all looks remarkably clear. I tried to get in from the top (grille just below windscreen wipers) but can see nothing. I think I'll give JZ a call.

Many thanks for all your help Maurice.

 

[Shane Hodges]

Have been to JZ ... they are puzzelled too. Their guess is something has come loose within the heating system, been blown up the tubes, and is rattling in the airflow when going fast.

They said it was unlikely anything will have gone up the air inlets from the outside - anyone have any views?

As to rectification, it will be trial and error, starting with the easy, accessible bits. The end game is heating system out which apparently requires the petrol tank coming out!

Can anyone let me know if the interior vents in the dash board come out easily (and how you get them out.) I am sure it is something very close to the vents and I could get at it if only I could remove the vents.

Thanks in advance.