NB Weird Rattle at part throttle
#1
NB Weird Rattle at part throttle
New member here. I have searched, but haven't found anything on this. I have a 2002 NB that rattles in 3rd or 4th gear when cruising at part throttle in the 3-4K RPM range. Its not very loud, I can only hear it with the top and windows up. Basically if I cruise around in 4th gear and roll into the throttle between 3-4K RPM I get this rattle sound. The harder I roll into the throttle past say 20% in 4th, the louder the rattle. Light or no throttle, no rattle.
Any other time its fine, accelerating from lower gears or a stop is fine, cold start, warm start, no rattles. No CEL, car makes power like it should, runs smooth, everything seems fine driving wise. VVT actuator was replaced with a new unit from Mazda, but this sound was there prior to that, which make me think its A) Normal?? B) Something to do with the intake or C) A shield or something is loose that I haven't been able to find.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Any other time its fine, accelerating from lower gears or a stop is fine, cold start, warm start, no rattles. No CEL, car makes power like it should, runs smooth, everything seems fine driving wise. VVT actuator was replaced with a new unit from Mazda, but this sound was there prior to that, which make me think its A) Normal?? B) Something to do with the intake or C) A shield or something is loose that I haven't been able to find.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
#5
I have the same model year Miata as you, 5 speed, torsen LSD, and I am experiencing the exact same issue you describe. Only in 3rd or 4th gear, at the same throttle position/speed as you. I recently replaced my entire exhaust (Headers, midpipe, muffler) and replaced the OEM exhaust hangars with Poly Exhaust hangars, and had Competition Motor Mounts installed. I had my clutch and associated bearings replaced recently as well, however the issue remains. Also replaced the diff lube with some GL5 fluid and the transmission fluid with Motorcraft Trans Fluid. Does your car have a 5 or 6 speed trans, and is it Naturally Aspirated?
My current fix is to put the top down at all times
My current fix is to put the top down at all times
#6
I have the same model year Miata as you, 5 speed, torsen LSD, and I am experiencing the exact same issue you describe. Only in 3rd or 4th gear, at the same throttle position/speed as you. I recently replaced my entire exhaust (Headers, midpipe, muffler) and replaced the OEM exhaust hangars with Poly Exhaust hangars, and had Competition Motor Mounts installed. I had my clutch and associated bearings replaced recently as well, however the issue remains. Also replaced the diff lube with some GL5 fluid and the transmission fluid with Motorcraft Trans Fluid. Does your car have a 5 or 6 speed trans, and is it Naturally Aspirated?
My current fix is to put the top down at all times
My current fix is to put the top down at all times
#8
I used the rattle as an excuse to replace those parts, the clutch was due to my throw-out bearing being super noisy and likely about to seize. It had more than half of the ball bearings missing upon clutch replacement. I haven't checked my PPF alignment or the diff clamp thingy, I will look into checking that further and see if it changes anything. Also, yes, the noise seems to come from around the passenger side engine bay/trans tunnel. I will also be replacing the curly clutch line with a braided stainless steel line, as it could possibly be that line/one of the brackets rattling about/being loose.
Attached PPF Alignment Procedure
Flying Miatas IRL View
Attached PPF Alignment Procedure
Flying Miatas IRL View
Last edited by HowPrayGame; 10-18-2018 at 05:38 PM. Reason: Uploading photos
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