I think this rod is the source of my rattle, what is it and how do I tighten it?

[BoxsterInTheSun]

I have a rattle at low RPMs in first and second gear, I think it only occurs when the outside temp is colder. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all, but when it does it's loud enough to be embarrasing.

I think it might be this rod that I'm pointing to on the driver side in front of the rear wheel:



I've also added a video here:

https://youtu.be/He311tepkc0?si=UKBpOk2lije5yvQC

Any ideas what this is, and if it should be tighter than it currently is? Is this a common rattle causer?

[Gilles]

Not sure, but seems that that could be the parking brake cable? Try to wrap a bit of foam, held with with tape to see if that helps?

PS: If this line is metal, it could be the hydraulic line for the rear caliper as well.. if so, check if it's rubbing (no good..) or simply rattling into something else, IF this is the brake line, you may gently bend it a bit (re-shape it) away from where it is touching, good luck!

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Not sure, but seems that that could be the parking brake cable? Try to wrap a bit of foam, held with with tape to see if that helps?

PS: If this line is metal, it could be the hydraulic line for the rear caliper as well.. if so, check if it's rubbing (no good..) or simply rattling into something else, IF this is the brake line, you may gently bend it a bit (re-shape it) away from where it is touching, good luck!

It's definitely metal. I'll try the foam and see if that stops it. Thanks for the idea!

[78F350]

I'm at the office and don't have a Boxster handy today, but I'd guess that's the pressure line for the power steering. Whatever it is, for it to be correct, it needs to be fastened to the underside of your car. Something has come undone. Pull the plastic panels off the belly and see what is damaged. Also, look up towards the engines where that leads and see if it is un-clamped.

If you make the effort to actually look at it and can't figure out what's wrong, I may jack up one of my cars to get some pictures of what 'correct' should look like.

[FL NINE86]

Difficult to tell exactly from the photos, but I believe that metal supply line should be snapped into two supports under the central cover panel. The first is just ahead of the door and the second is under the fuel filter. It snaps into the plastic supports that also hold the two metal coolant lines.

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I'm at the office and don't have a Boxster handy today, but I'd guess that's the pressure line for the power steering. Whatever it is, for it to be correct, it needs to be fastened to the underside of your car. Something has come undone. Pull the plastic panels off the belly and see what is damaged. Also, look up towards the engines where that leads and see if it is un-clamped.

If you make the effort to actually look at it and can't figure out what's wrong, I may jack up one of my cars to get some pictures of what 'correct' should look like.

Super kind offer, I really appreciate it! I was able to get under it today, followed the line upwards and quickly saw the folllowing:



After some wrestling I was able to get it snapped back in:



Thanks again for the help, really appreciate it. Haven't had a chance to see if it solves the rattle, but fingers crossed it does!

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Well, sadly NOT the cause of the rattle. I did manage to catch the rattle on video though this morning...

https://youtube.com/shorts/c2quvhbbMuM?feature=share

The hunt continues.

[pilot4fn]

Originally Posted by BoxsterInTheSun

Well, sadly NOT the cause of the rattle. I did manage to catch the rattle on video though this morning...

https://youtube.com/shorts/c2quvhbbMuM?feature=share

The hunt continues.

This sounds a bit like exhaust touching to the car frame or diagonal support braces....

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Originally Posted by pilot4fn

This sounds a bit like exhaust touching to the car frame or diagonal support braces....

Definately not the support brace at the back ( that bolts to the belly pan ) as that is currently off the car. Maybe it's touching somewhere else...

[78F350]

One of the Boxsters I bought had a terrible aftermarket exhaust installed. It rubbed and rattled in at least three places and the O2 sensors were placed wrong. Check over your current exhaust set-up for things that it may contact with enough harmonic vibration.

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Originally Posted by 78F350

One of the Boxsters I bought had a terrible aftermarket exhaust installed. It rubbed and rattled in at least three places and the O2 sensors were placed wrong. Check over your current exhaust set-up for things that it may contact with enough harmonic vibration.

I'm quickly realising that this one can also be described as a "terrible aftermarket exhaust". Thanks for the tip, I'll get it up on the ramps hopefully this weekend and start poking around. This exhaust already has the feel of "doesn't really fit" though, so I won't be suprised if it's the issue.

Thank you again for the help!

[Beelzy]

Check the metal exhaust tip. It's easy to bump it and the result is a buzzing vibration. One screw to remove, bend tab and reinstall. Or kick it. Lol

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Originally Posted by Beelzy

Check the metal exhaust tip. It's easy to bump it and the result is a buzzing vibration. One screw to remove, bend tab and reinstall. Or kick it. Lol

The tip definitely has a noise to it when I bump it. Like a bunch of washers in a coffee can. 🤣 I'm not seeing a screw on it ( maybe because the exhaust is aftermarket? ), but I'll pursue this investigation path regardless. Thank you!

[Gilles]

Using a rubber mallet you can start banging (lightly..) the components on the suspension and exhaust and may help you to find the source of the rattle