99ssei a rattleling sound comming from the middle of the car
 

I been having this problem every since I became a member to this club. And I haven't really put in the time to address the problem. I recently worked in replacing the coupler in my SC, gaskets, O-rings, etc. But I think to confront this one, is a little scary. Besides that I have to change the Oil Pan Gasket. This sound is scalating from the original sound, and I'm feeling lost since I don't know where is comming from.

Please help!!!!

Can you better describe the sound? At what speeds does it occur? Does it matter if the engine is hot or cold? What RPM range does it occur? Need more details!!

The sound is dfinetly louder when cold engine, the sound is like if a metal piece is hitting a rotating object, the speed is above 10 and below 25mph, and it sounds louder if I give it more gas. It also happens when I'm driving only, and mostlikely when the transmission shifts between 1st to second and during second. Also if I floor it or start full blown on first to fifth gear, the sound is gone, and driving speeds above 30 no sound at all untill I completely stop and go again. (like a stop light)

I don't know what more details... besides is loud and it comes from the middle front floor of the interior of the vehicle, like in the front of the division lump on the floor between the driver and passenger seat.

I can't find what the problem is..... :(

Loose heat shield on the catalytic convertor?

And where would that be?

Main exhaust line under the car. The bulging thing under your passenger's butt. Heat shield is over it. Kick and shake it.

...when the car is _cold_!

Sorry if we're telling you something you already know, but the convertor is going to get _majorly_ hot _very_ quickly when the car is running, so don't plan on casually slapping it around with your bare hands (especially if the heat shield's loose or missing)... :bouncingflame:

I am so happy Mr. acg_ssei and Will, thanx to you guys I have found the problem. And yesterday I was very close to buy the motor mounts (engine and Trans), but I waited one more day. I can never explain how experiences like today can be so rewarding with just a connection on the net.

I jacked up the vehicle and looked at the shield and it was bent,, I must the hit something and bent it. I took the three screws and bend it back to the original mold (close to) and bingo.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

PS
This sounds enbarrasing but is the honest truth, I had the sound about a year or more and never took interest in finding the problem. I thought it was going to be expensive or hard to replace. I feel so relieved...

Thank you again.