Hey folks,
Over the last few days I have noticed a rattling noise which is heard when the top is down. It sounds as if it is coming from the right rear. It happens over bumps and has a very sheet metal type sound to it. I have checked the spare tire nut and retightened and I still have the noise. I have seen some other users post that maybe it was the trunk springs rattling but nowhere did I see anyone post an answer for a fix. It is a MY04 with no suspension mods. Any help is greatly appreciated as this sound is driving me nuts. Thanks.

 

 

Check that the passenger seat back isn't rattling...push the seat all the way back and recline it.

Check that the passenger seat belt isn't rattling...sometimes the metal male end will rattle against the side of the car.

Have a passenger grab the top while it is down to see if the rattle stops.

 

After inspection I think that I might have found the problem. The dust shield for the rear brake makes a hell of a lot of noise if I tap lightly on it. As I said, it definitely seems to be something sheet metal. I can't check the screws that hold it in place tonight as I won't have time to remove the caliper and rotor but I noticed that the driver side doesn't make as much noise when I tap that one in the same areas. When I push or pull on it it seems that it moves a little around the hub flange. I hope it is something this simple. Anyone else run into this?

 

[QUOTE=topless!;16252962]After inspection I think that I might have found the problem. The dust shield for the rear brake makes a hell of a lot of noise if I tap lightly on it. As I said, it definitely seems to be something sheet metal. I can't check the screws that hold it in place tonight as I won't have time to remove the caliper and rotor but I noticed that the driver side doesn't make as much noise when I tap that one in the same areas. When I push or pull on it it seems that it moves a little around the hub flange. I hope it is something this simple. Anyone else run into this?[/QUOTE

I recently purchased a 2004 S2 and noticed the same noise you are describing. When you tightened the dust shield did that fix the issue? The dealer didn’t have time to fully explore this when they had my car but it would be helpful to know if your hunch worked. Thanks

 

the dust shield might just be rattling against the rotor or caliper

Bend it out of the way by hand. Enjoy motoring.

 

Do you have an aftermarket exhaust?

I have an Evasive single that was recently making a little bit of noise. It was slightly rubbing the rear subframe near the differential. I changed one of my rubber mounts and adjusted slightly to create more space between the catback and the subframe.

 

You might want to check out the “Official Found a Rattle” thread at the top of this Forum. Lots of ideas there%%%%%

Utah