94 corolla weird rattle at idle/low speeds

[tlong831]

The rattle seems to be pretty inconsistant, definately not the engine internals rattling, (not rod knock i know what that sounds like)

It happens mostly when cold and idling i cant really hear it outside, as much as inside and when going low speeds it doesn't get louder ever

Sounds like a CV joint when it is bad and going around a turn but not nearly as loud and the clicks are more dulled out

but my cv joints are good.. i probally need wheel bearings because i hear those when im going slow too but it makes the noise when im idling.. and it never gets louder
sometimes it goes away
and doesn't do it for a while
but then it always comes back

Im thinking something with the suspension.... any clues where i should look first? thanks!!

ps. I just had an exhaust leak fixed and my whole exhaust is supposdly solid so i think thats ruled out. i have new flex pipe, exhaust manifold, and patched hole in my front muffler, rear muffler is fine.

[85corolla]

When you say you hear it while idling (I'm assuming the vehicle is stationary) it tells me it won't likely be suspension, drive shaft or CV joint related, so I would be looking at the engine or Transmission. It could possibly be the input bearing or throughout bearing if it's a manual transmission. It may also be something inside the car, if the engine runs rougher when cold it will send a different vibration to loose things in the dash or glove box. If you have a good ear you should be able to lift the hood and zero in reasonably close to the source.

[tlong831]

but the car runs great, it's automatic
and if it was the engine dont you think the noise would be consistant and maybe even get louder. hmm it probally is something just vibrating i think it may be the bumper support or possible the bottom engine cover?

[ghost_ryder35]

maybe heat shield for the exaust

[brokenrolla]

Yeah i had the exact same problem and i just let it go. But the car only ran for about another week before my axle broke. So if i were u i would have my axle checked but that is just me.

Originally Posted by tlong831

The rattle seems to be pretty inconsistant, definately not the engine internals rattling, (not rod knock i know what that sounds like)

It happens mostly when cold and idling i cant really hear it outside, as much as inside and when going low speeds it doesn't get louder ever

Sounds like a CV joint when it is bad and going around a turn but not nearly as loud and the clicks are more dulled out

but my cv joints are good.. i probally need wheel bearings because i hear those when im going slow too but it makes the noise when im idling.. and it never gets louder
sometimes it goes away
and doesn't do it for a while
but then it always comes back

Im thinking something with the suspension.... any clues where i should look first? thanks!!

ps. I just had an exhaust leak fixed and my whole exhaust is supposdly solid so i think thats ruled out. i have new flex pipe, exhaust manifold, and patched hole in my front muffler, rear muffler is fine.

[tlong831]

axles are fine i've had them checked a few months ago they added more greese.. maybe they dont click in turns.. and the car has done it ever since i bought it a year ago. seems like maybe it's just the flex pipe what if i wrapped it in heat wrap?

[retiredat44]

water pump can rattle.... before it finally goes....

[darcsyde]

check the motor mounts

[tlong831]

maybe it is my water pump but it only has like 40k on the water pump

i think the motor mounts would be more likely... how would i go about checking them?
there are going to be 3 motor mounts? right?
i am looking for a pdf manual for my 94 corolla too.... but i also have one ordered from amazon

[tlong831]

i answered my own question... i know there are 4 motor mounts now...

but are they easy to check/replace?

how would i tell if they are bad just looking at them in the car?

im tryin' search....