I’ve a loud rattle coming from the exhaust of my 2000 VW Passat 1.8 20v, so I had the centre and back box changed. Sadly the rattle is still there. Could you please help?
The mechanic says...
Ideally the car needs to be raised from the ground and securely supported on axle stands or ramps, and the exhaust system examined from underneath the vehicle as the engine is revved, to see if the rattle can be reproduced with the car stationary. The noise could be due to a loose fixing bracket or clamp, or to the exhaust system touching other components on the vehicle (including the underbody).
The whole exhaust system needs to be checked for incorrect positioning and insecure mountings. It is also possible that a small piece of metal (for example) has become lodged within the system, or a silencer ‘baffle’ may have come loose within it.
If you are unable to trace the trouble yourself, ask an exhaust specialist or reputable mechanic to listen to the vehicle, and to examine it, to establish the exact cause of the noise.
