I have a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, with the 5.3 engine. I have an unknown rattle which sounds like a dust shield or heat shield rattle. It starts at a low speed and goes away at higher speed. It also quiets down when brakes are applied. I have replaced the brake pads, rotors. I have ckecked and shook all locateable dust shields and heat shield but nothing. Recently changed the transmission and transfer case. Nothing found there. Have replaced the main drive shaft universal joint but not the 4 wheel drive shaft joints. Noise is driving me up a wall. It is a tin/metal rattle. ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

Likely the little bracket that holds the emergency brakes has fallen and/or rotted off.

I'm betting the rattle is when going over any bumps no matter how small, and on rough roads. If I am correct then:

1. Pull each of the rear wheels off
2. Remove the calipers
3. Remove the caliper brackets
4. Remove the rotors
5. There is a one-piece brake shoe here that is used as the emergency brake
6. Is the opening of this shoe pinching an adjusting screw and mechanical actuator? If no then here'* your rattle, or another rattle that you can't hear over your other rattle.
7. Is the bracket in place and in good repair holding the inside of the other side of the shoe? If no then here'* your rattle, or another rattle that you can't hear over your other rattle.

thank you for the information. I checked the dust shield for the emergency brake. I noticed it is very rusted and braking apart but hardware is tight and secure. Mechanic wants $1000 to pull axels and change the $30 dust shield. I have checked every heat shield and dust shield I can see. I even thought it might even be a pully on the belt or water pump. At wits end. Jeff Gordon chevy wants $150 for diagnostic and even if they can not find problem I still have to pay them.

They make a two piece dust shield for that so you can replace it without pulling axles. Sneeze on the rusted one so it disintegrates and falls out, then assemble the new one, done. Works great.

This is not your rattle though. Did you look at the parking brake as I described in Post #2?

yes sir, I traced the brake and cable as far as I could. Sometimes it is very loud but gets quiet when driven for awhile and gets hot. Then when cool it comes back till hot again. Thought maybe a dry seal with the wheel bearings which are MOOG and are about 5 years old. Thought of replacing with new ones. All rubber bushings with front end are in good condition, no rot or cracked bushings, am at a total loss. Oil pan was replaced, transmission replaced, transfer case replaced, universal joints replaced, rear main seal replaced, knock sensors replaced, intake manifold, valve cover gaskets replaced, total new exhaust system, not converter, new brake pads, tried ceramic but changed to semimetalic. Could not locate the dust shield (2PIECE) for the 03 tahoe. Thank you for trying. Am totally frustrated.

We can't see or hear your vehicle. If you can't figure it having both sight and sound of the problem I really don't know what you think we can do to help you.

never mind just thought someone else may have had the same problem, will delete the site sorry to have disturbed you

Please don't let one member'* comments scare you off. We're here to help.

Have you done this yet?:

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Forgive me. A bad day is no excuse.

I examined the rear dust shield with the emergency brake, One is slightly rusted, but tight. I thought of replacing them and being a 78 yr old disabled vet, the mechanic wants $1000 labor charge to pull the axel and other items to replace a $40 tin part. I am thinking about going to the 2 piece shield and not removing the axel. It really sounds like a dust shield or heat shield but I can not find it. I will take your advice and check again. It seems to be coming from the front more so than the rear but I know the sound can fool you. Thank you so much for taking the time to try to help an old soldier.