Okay... Just bought a used 96 accord EX - while test driving it performed perfectly (It was during a down pour though) So I missed the rattling at first. At about 3300 RPM - a rattling noise comes from the direction of the clutch and tranny. Shifting is not at all an issue, each gear goes in smooth. The car does have 119 K on it - but most accords go strong for 150 K before needing a new tranny right? - Help me out - I know a little - but only what I have done first hand - and I am looking for some info before I drop the bills to get it fixed...

 

my first guess would be the exhaust heatshield above the catalytic converter or loose pebbles/rocks lodged between the heatshield and exhaust tunnel.
could you explain this rattling sound some more? does it sound like marbles in a coffee can?

 

Like H22 said it is most likely the heatshield. Mine rattles when i let off the gas and decelerate. Next time your under the car give it a look.

 

I knew from the test drive that I had a hole somewhere in the exhaust... the hole turned out to be in the resonator between the cat and the rear of the exhaust. at around 3500 Rpm - my whole exhaust system from the Header down pipe to my tail pipe does the shimmy... sounds great - but I think I am just going to patch it until I find a suitable replacement - No clue whether or not it will solve the problem - but thanks for the insight.

 

yes..i have the same rattling noise when i'm downshifting/decelerating in my 96 exr......

so its the headsheild?? do i just tighten it? and it is approxiamtely under the driver seat??

 

The rattling noise I had was coming from the center, heading towards the passenger seat - however, that is probably due to the hole in the resonator facing the same direction. This is all speculation - Like I said before, I am no expert - The project will commence this weekend - wrapping the hole with Abestos wrap (or equivilent) and tightening the whole system back towards the body using the factory mounts. Will post to update... R/S - Above...