1999 Honda Prelude Exhaust Rattle

1999 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

KATIE.MO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I was driving out of a friends driveway and bumped the underside of my car pretty good on the passengers side, in the front/very front of the car. Ever since, it's made a rattling/vibrating noise between 2400-2600RPM's, though it might do it more (I just can't hear it from inside the car, not even with the windows open, radio off, and A/C off).

I know that the catalytic converter is in that general vicinity of the car, and also know that it's kind of expensive to replace.

Is there anything else that might be causing this rattling/vibrating? I've checked the underside of the car and nothing is hanging down - I've also not noticed ANY performace impact - I still get the same amount of mileage per gallon of gas and the car drives exactly the same.

Thanks!

Jul 18, 2006 at 12:51 AM

BRUCE HUNT

✓Experienced Mechanic
3,754 POSTS

Check the radiator mounting. You may have broken the plastic mounts on the radiator as they are easy to break. See if the radiator moves around quite a bit. Another thought is some of the skirting under the front could be loose as well.

Jul 20, 2006 at 8:55 AM

KATIE.MO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

brought it briefly to the honda garage yesterday, the technician tapped on the back exhaust pipe and it rattled.

i'm not sure if that helps determine the cause any?

having it looked at tomorrow.

Jul 21, 2006 at 8:59 AM

BRUCE HUNT

✓Experienced Mechanic
3,754 POSTS

Your problem is a rather simple one I believe. Your exhaust system is vibrating against the heat shields that protect the inside of the car against heat. You may have broken a mount on the shield. Honda might replace the shields, mounts, etc. but I would rather find a way of making what is there work. The heat shields are a important but they are also a pain. Just as an afterthought, take a look under the car and you will see that there are about 4 or more rubber support that hold the exhaust system up to the car. Check to make sure that they are all in good condition, that they are still there and that they are still connected properly.

Jul 24, 2006 at 2:18 AM

KATIE.MO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

it turns out something that was rpeviously welded had come loose in the exhaust system, my lovely mechanics re-welded it and i was good to go.

also replaced a radiator cap.

my car runs a lot better now :)

thought you'd like to know the solution!

Jul 24, 2006 at 9:08 AM

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Suggested Repair

Have the exhaust system inspected after an underbody impact. A previously welded exhaust joint had come loose and was re-welded, which stopped the rattle. Also check exhaust rubber supports, heat shields, radiator mounts, and the radiator cap.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Honda Prelude developed a rattle or vibration around 2400-2600 RPM after scraping the front underside on a driveway, with no loss of performance or fuel economy. An expert suggested checking radiator mounts, underbody skirting, heat shields, and exhaust rubber supports. A Honda technician found the rear exhaust pipe rattled when tapped. The owner later reported that a previously welded exhaust joint had come loose; mechanics re-welded it and also replaced the radiator cap, after which the car ran better.

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1999 Honda Prelude Exhaust Rattle

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