Just went for a drive and a weird rattle....Alright, here's the scenario(96 d16y8 110xxx miles):
Clutch out, out of gear - Rattling noise at back of engine but inside. goes w/ the RPM of the engine.
Clutch in, no rattle. sounds fine.
Very low RPM while driving, same rattle.

Never really thought about clutch fluid til now, since i've never had an issue with it....but its too dark to check...gonna check in the morn. any ideas?

 

The Catalytic converter gone bad? Heat shield on CAT, loose? Check oil level, bolts, but definatly check exhaust parts..

 

My first guess would be heat shield, but they are gone as of 2 years ago when i put on the catback.

As to the cat....that could change w/ the clutch in/out?

Ugh....i'm gonna have to get under there this week w/ a damn flashlight after work. i hope it is something simple.

 

Do you hear it while driving or when idling or both? JUST when pressing the clutch? How about just reeving the engine? Engaging/Disengaging the clutch would put stress on the engine thus creating exhaust, that would just be my assumption.. If the clutch disengages and engages and shifts fine, i don't see why it would be the fluid or tranny fluid...

Try a two man operation with one fiddling around inside the car and one pinpointing the noise, if not just try to get under the car and finding out what the noise is...

One way or another, it just sounds like something is loose..

 

I vote catalytic converter heat shield or various heatshielding around exhaust pipe.

My fathers was loose as fawk on his EG and it rattled like insane.

 

It rattles when the clutch is out only (sitting, not in gear). when i push the clutch in, it goes away entirely. revving doesnt make a difference....the rattle is in tune w/ the engine at any rpm when clutch out, not in gear.

 

It seems this morning after more listening, that the transmission is whining when i downshift also.

Anyone think the tranny oil needs to be changed? I haven't ever had to do this....shouldnt be too hard im assuming....whatcha all think?

 

anybody???

 

Sounds like the problem I used to have. There are threads about this if it is the same problem. It led to my transmission and everyone who had this issue said it was the bearings in the tranny going bad which is not uncommon. Bought me a used tranny for $150 and problem is all gone

 

i was afraid of that. I'm gonna do the fluid and see if that helps. if not, its gonna be tranny/clutch/flywheel all in one shot. Might as well do it all since i'm at about 110k if im in there.