Hello!

Well, needless to say, long time lurker, first time poster, I've dug around for a little bit before asking and needless to say, not turned up much on my topic.

I've got a 99 Civic SI - 90% stock at this point (save for basic maintenance replacement parts), when coming to a stop and idling down, I hear a slight rattling coming from the engine compartment, I've done some initial inspection under the hood and not turned up much that could potentially be loose, but then again, I'm no professional mechanic.

When it started: I first noticed it about a month ago, it doesn't happen every time I come to a stop, just enough to have me concerned.

The noise: Picture a plastic tumbler (the cup) and take a rubber spoon and jiggle it around in side of the cup some; yeah, that noise...

Mileage: 171k
TL;DL version: Odd noise, sounds like rubber on plastic coming from engine compartment, scared newb asking for ideas.

Thanks!

 

When was the last timing belt change?

 

To my knowledge, the last time it was taken to Honda for service, around 100k.

Sadly, I'm the 3rd owner and the 2nd didn't record the service dates/times/mileage, though the first did.

I've been debating taking it to the local Honda owned Honda dealership and having them replace the Timing belt, Water pump, valve adjustment and checking out all of the gaskets and whatnot.

 

Bump for great justice!

 

well if u took it to the dealer and did that which its close to that time again thats peace at mind you would have.

 

Check all your motor mounts. Check all your suspenion bushings and ball joints. Mine was making a clunking sound when going over small bumps and it turned out to be the end links/bushings.

 

haha thats funny, i have a 2000 si with 177k miles on it and i have a **** load of rattle. one of my hasport mounts is broken though, but thats not the only rattling i think. and i think my timing belt is about to go out. everytime i crank my car, sounds like a belt slipping, and screeching real load, and sounds like it finally grabs the belt and the sound stops. only this morning it did it worse and my car wouldnt fully crank. i was hoping it wasnt the timing belt but its starting to sound like it is.

 

I don't necessarily think it is motor mounts
Reason: It doesn't happen when in park and revving the engine, then again, the transmission being engaged could provide the extra oomph needed to cause it; I'll check those next.

Bushing & Ball joints: I dread considering replacing these, its always a chore no matter what car you drive...
Would it be more beneficial to replace the LCR while at it amongst the mix if this is the case? Obviously it comes up to personal preference and time willing to vest in the project... also, any recommended brand? other than the obligatory OEM

 

Check everything, if the boots are ripped on the end links/ball joints, replace them. I would only go with OEM on the ball joints/end links unless you need aftermarket otherwise. I went with urethane for all the bushings.

 

Thats my plan, do a full inspection soon and see what I turn up.
the mid-west has been DRENCHED in rain for the last month and it's been VERY difficult to get out to do any car work at all.

 

So,

More information, I discovered this odd noise has begun to surface a bit more, I can cause it to happen if I turn the steering wheel while at a stop, or if I am holding the clutch some times while at a stop (anticipating the light to turn very soon) and pushing the brakes hard.

It's almost as if I may have a slipping serpentine belt.

 

the slipping of the serpentine belt wouldn't make a rattling noise it would make more of squealing noise, maybe check ur power steering pump otherwise i know on my honda with the exhaust some rocks got under the shield for the cat which ended up making the rattling noise.