2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD mystery noise under front seat

Tiny
SUMAC0401
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
There is some type of rattling/creaking noise coming from under the front seat area in my 2005 Sienna AWD (98K miles on original exhaust system). The noise occurs during stop and go. For example the car is at a stop, I then press the gas and as soon as the car lunges forward, a creaking/ratting noise occurs (0 to 5MPH). I jack-up the car and went underneath to see if it’s a loose heat shield, but all 3 heat shields above the entire exhaust system seems to be in good working order and no rust or looseness. There was a heat shield (under front seats)by where the pipe (Y pipe) splits between the catalytic converter and front exhaust manifold that was loose because the 3 clamps holding it was broken due to rust. I removed that loose heat shield and then drove the car. Again, the noise is still there. All exhaust pipes looks to be in decent condition. Of course with some surface rust. I'm completely baffled as to where this rattle/creaking noise is coming from. Again, the only thing I am sure of is its coming from the back of engine/front seat area. This noise has been around for the last 2-3 years. So it doesn't affect the drivability and the minivan has not had any check engine light.

Anyone else ever had this noise issue? Any idea is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 8:31 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust. Sometimes the insides of the catalytic converter can come loose and cause this noise.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
SUMAC0401
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
The catalytic converter. At least on the outside appears to be in great shape. I hand tap all the pipes around the front seat area and all seem to be normal. The catalytic converter should be fine since I have not gotten any check engine lights for bad O2 sensor and this noise has been there for last 2-3 years. Its almost if something is flexing (i.E. Exhaust system flex) since it only appears when the car lunges forward. But all the hangers are there and the exhaust pipes are all tighten and do not seem loose. I'm at a complete lost.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
The converter can be loose inside and still you won't get a check engine light. So if you get a chance, check it. Also, since you hear it on acceleration, check to make sure all control arm bushings are in good shape as well as other rubber bushings in the front and rear of the vehicle.
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 5:21 AM

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