rattle from underneath

[jrt]

'afternoon, can anyone who's had a similar thing point me in the right direction. I've got an intermittent rattle coming from the middle/rear of my van-it sounds like a couple of spanners being jangled in a bag! I've been underneath with a torch and checked shocks, exhaust, cv,handbrake etc given everthing a good shake but nothing is apparent. Doesn't do it when idling and you can drive for 10 minutes before it starts, applied brakes when it started to see if that stopped it but it didn't. You can't hear it with the windows closed and as i mentioned at the beginning it is a light jangle.
Cheers David

[Hacksawbob]

Stones in hubcap?

[jrt]

No i wish it was, i'll try and post a recording of it. It only started last weekend and it's driving me nuts.
The thing is when it starts, and it rattles for 5, 10 seconds then stops,- it sounds like something really loose-a very light jangle no clunking or thumping-a bit like the grill pan going over a cattle grid ! Don't want to drive it far until i find what it is.
I'm going to the pub- David

[BOXY]

Check the plate that acts as a push-rod cover. If the screw/bolt that holds it to the heat exchanger is loose it can make a clacking noise.

[waltraud]

Water pump?

[jrt]

back from the pub, thanks for the replies but i have checked all the loose bits underneath the van and the water pump is new , it only makes a noise when it is moving.

[Aidan]

if only when moving then it's either wheel bearings, brakes, driveshafts or gearbox/clutch
so I'd recommend getting it into a garage or if you can do it yourself doing a brake service, jacked up rear driveline inspection and a gearbox oil change if not done recently, though the driveline inspection on a ramp/axle stands may well show up the issue the gearbox oil change is always worthwhile, every 2-3 years minimum anyway

[jrt]

Found the source of the rattle- rear o/s spring had snapped two coils from the bottom and was still sat there occasionally rattling[must have missed it earlier ]. So i'll get hold of a new one and get it fitted, seems pretty straightforward to replace so i'll give it a go, anything i should be aware of ?
I think it's just a standard spring.
cheers David

[waltraud]

I would do both rears at the same time, if you fit a new spring the older/more worn other side will have a very different level of torsion and rebound so could effect handling I would have thought. Even if you used two second hand airings from the same scrap vehicle would be ok.

[jrt]

[AdrianC]

Found the source of the rattle- rear o/s spring had snapped two coils from the bottom and was still sat there occasionally rattling[must have missed it earlier ]. So i'll get hold of a new one and get it fitted, seems pretty straightforward to replace so i'll give it a go, anything i should be aware of ?

We had the same in the summer, but lower on the spring - just the end of the pigtail. The van was still visibly low at that corner, though.

Replacing the spring isn't hard. You'll need to get it jacked up and properly supported, wheel off (obviously), undo the damper from the arm, and the driveshaft from one end (gearbox is easier), to allow the arm to drop down further - it might need a bit of persuasion. Then just slide the old spring out and the new one in. Give it all a good clean up - and be prepared for rust holes in the spring seat on the arm... Might be a good opportunity to clean and paint whilst you're there.

Whilst the driveshaft's off, give the CV joint a clean-out, and refill it with clean, new grease.

Waltraud's right about doing it as a pair. Brakes, springs, dampers - always as a pair.

[lloydy]

I've always got the spring in without removing the driveshaft.

[AdrianC]

I've always got the spring in without removing the driveshaft.

<thinks back> I don't _think_ it was going to go in without. But, thinking about it, I know I had to change one CV and grease the other at the same time. Maybe I didn't even try...? Hmm... <scratches head> They were brand spankin' blue-stripe springs, so probably about the tallest this side of a Syncro.

[kevtherev]

I've always got the spring in without removing the driveshaft.

Me too, on a campsite, on grass.

[jrt]

I've always got the spring in without removing the driveshaft.

Me too, on a campsite, on grass.

Oh no -i'll be changing mine without the aid of any 'erbs
David