Rattling noise - Honda Prelude Forum

hass · 08-26-2005, 11:07 PM

hello
Info on the car 95 5-spd, 149k miles, Dc headers,and straight pipe cat-back Apexi n1 exhaust.

Everytime i'm in gear before 2000 rpm theres a rattling noise, can't tell from motor or exhaust. It goes away after 2000, this just started happening.
Any info would help, thank you
-hass

red92si · 08-26-2005, 11:14 PM

Check all of your exhaust hangers, and the b-pipe mount to the frame. Thats a start.

4thGenReady2Go · 08-28-2005, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red92si

Check all of your exhaust hangers, and the b-pipe mount to the frame. Thats a start.

I think you meant a-pipe/down-pipe. Yeah Hass, definitely check the bracket on the down-pipe where it connects to the frame, I can't remember if I told you, but my DC bracket wasn't welded on straight, so I could only bolt up one side of the 2-hole bracket, eventually it broke and now when the pipe shifts it rattles it's broken half of the bracket against the frame. Basically there's a part welded onto the a-pipe with two holes, then there's a honda bracket that bolts to it and on the top end bolts to the frame. Here's a picture for reference, the bracket in question is #13

aneurysm · 08-30-2005, 10:24 AM

i'd also check for small rocks inside the exhaust shielding, particularily the one around the cat.

-brad

Phamine · 08-30-2005, 11:51 AM

Most likely it is the bracket that readytogo had mentioned. Had the same problem.

MidNiteMysT · 09-05-2005, 09:55 PM

yea, those seem to be a problem, i actually have to check on that myself and just disconnec those bolts cuz it seems like a much too common problem.

MidNiteMysT · 09-13-2005, 12:06 AM

checked mine today, and its also broken. what a dumb ass design on dc sports part. im positive thats what has been causing that rattling at around 2.5k rpm. everyone is having a problem with it. im lucky it didnt rip the weld out of the header and just cracked the replaceable bracket that i can just order again from honda. but yea, def remove those bolts. dont worry about added stress cuz theres an exhaut hanger right there. i actually put two thin plastic ties to support it a little bit and if excessive force is applied, it wont rip the weld of, it will just snap the plastic tie off cuz its not very strong. so it least it has a tiny support just incase.

aneurysm · 09-13-2005, 08:52 AM

My Honda specialist had to modify the mounting holes on the bracket since it does not exactly match. I think I've replaced mine about 3 times. I'm currently working on something totally different that will last a little longer.

bg

MidNiteMysT · 09-13-2005, 02:52 PM

hmm... ok, well let us know about it cause we are all having the same prob. i dont really see it as a big issue anyway, the flex pipe supports it. its not really needed that much.

4thGenReady2Go · 09-13-2005, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidNiteMysT

hmm... ok, well let us know about it cause we are all having the same prob. i dont really see it as a big issue anyway, the flex pipe supports it. its not really needed that much.

it does, but it's not supposed to support it. My flexpipe is still hanging in ok, but if DC can f*** up a bracket, I won't put much stock in the flexpipe if unnecessary stress is applied to it. Lol, the sound mine makes now with that bracket rattling against the frame is horrible. Btw, your messages haven't gone unchecked. I am however slow to get those pictures, one of these days though!

MidNiteMysT · 09-13-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thGenReady2Go

Btw, your messages haven't gone unchecked. I am however slow to get those pictures, one of these days though!

ok good, i was a little worried

and can see what you mean, i dont really like the fact that its not supported either over there, but its much better then having the welds ripped out of the header, which i was lucky enough to not have that happen, think of the damn stress on those welds if they cracked that bracket in half. it obvoisly fits way too tight and doesnt like that position at all so it broke free. it might be because when you rev your engine or just plain use the engine, it rocks a bit, so that what was stressing that part. thats what the flex pipe is for, to allow some movement. i think the plastic ties are a good temp solution, but i def dont want to be holding that bracket in place with metal again. maybe something a little more loose like a exhaust hanger, something made of rubber.

4thGenReady2Go · 09-13-2005, 07:14 PM

the airmatic suspension pump on airmatic equipped benzes rests somewhere in the engine bay on 3 spring-loaded screw-type mounts. The actually mount is made up of a couple washers, a rubber bushing on the top and bottom, a long screw and a spring in the middle, I wonder if something like that can be fabricated to allow for vertical movement of the a-pipe.

MidNiteMysT · 09-13-2005, 11:56 PM

that does sound interesting. sounds very possible too. i think the rubber exhaust hanger would be the easiest, but your soounds good too if we can fabricate something to use that idea.

btw on a personal note: i could really use that headlight soon so i can get to work on my retro. please gimme a aim sn, email or reply to my pm's so we can work this out. thanx