http://flickr.com/gp/s2kdriver80/LfV4tS

This noise started about 3 years ago and back then, you could not hear it unless you had discernible hearing and were specifically looking for it. It gradually got louder and worse over time, and starting around 3-4 months ago, the noise was somewhat noticeable. And it was only a few days ago when it really started to get obnoxious.

It kinda sounds like the TCT issue, except the noise is not coming from under the hood. I've had plenty of TCT replacements and this problem is not coming from the same place. This noise is coming from underneath the car, maybe somewhere between the rear of the front wheel arch and the front of the door opening. What is this? Something that's metallic loose banging around somewhere? A hole in the exhaust? Cat problem (I just put in a used cat since my original broke and took the O2 along with it)? It sounds somewhat like the TCT problem. Like popcorn popping, except it doesn't sound like popping in a paper bag, but metallic instead.

Thanks.

 

put the car on stands and see if you can find it.

 

black metal shield under the car, it's to the right of the left rear wheel.

If not, just get under there and tap on everything until you find the culprit.

 

It sounds like the exhaust is hitting something or loose.

 

Sounds like the cat. I had a similar noise on mine. I replaced it and it went away.

 

sounds like the cat material inside the cat has gone bad and broken free. If you havent already gotten a CEL that loose material will shave the O2 sensor right off which will ensue a check engine light. Bang on the cat/remove it to verify, you will be out another hundred or so if that O2sensor gets damaged. If thats not it Id check the heat shields on the header and cat and make sure they are intact. Another possiblity will be the exhaust hangars that may have broken loose from the exhaust piping.

 

Thanks guys, gonna have Billman check it out, need an oil change anyway.

 

report back on to see what it was...I have the same noise but its not as loud. I have replaced the whole exhaust system so I can rule out the cat.

 

You mean you replaced your entire exhaust yet the noise remains? A bad TCT makes a similar noise except it comes from the engine area. Is your noise loudest under the hood? Perhaps a bad TCT? The noise I have is clearly coming from underneath the car somewhere in the front to middle.

 

already got the billman TCT so that one rules out too .... like i said mine is not that loud but it does sound like yours...