Miata Mailing List: March 1993, Message #101
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re: Greetings and a question about rattling
   Date: (none)

> Here are the symptoms:
> -rattling (chattering) noise seems to come from front and below car.
> -happens at rpm greater than 3000 (3500 seems to be the loudest).
> -noise is NOT noticible in 5th gear.
> -temperature is not a factor
> -sometimes during a rain, the noise is not noticible.

> Does anybody out there have this rattling noise?  Any solutions
> other than buy a stereo?

  Is this the catalytic converter bracket problem?  Although, the
  rattling from *day one* is inconsistant with the symptoms.

  I experienced the infamous "rattle at 3600 rpm" that was mentioned
  a few months back at ~40K.  The dealer replaced the catalytic
  converter plus a bracket (no charge) solving the rattle problem.

  The dealer (Torrance Mazda, CA) was well aware of the problem.
  He said, "...the first thing the machanic sees when lifting
  the car for an oil change is bolts on a bracket connecting the
  catalytic converter.  The machanic will always tighten those
  bolts.  If they come loose, the bolts will damage the catalytic
  converter and it will begin to rattle."  The dealer replaced
  the damaged components without charge or hassle.  Parts and labor
  would have been ~$250-300.  I wonder how long Mazda will continue
  this policy??

  How did the bolts come loose?  Well, I typically have the dealer
  do oil changes every 5,000 (per the manual's heavy duty service
  schedule), except the oil change at 35K was done at a quick-lube
  type place enroute to Sequoia National Park for vacation.  These
  folks didn't know to tighten the catalytic converter bolts and the
  stupid thing began to rattle within 2-3K miles.  Moral: Check your
  bolts at frequent and regular intervals.

  I hope this helps.

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- Tyler Walker               Internet : twalk@scg8a.scg.hac.com       -
= GM/Hughes Aircraft Co.     HAC Profs: SMTPGATE(TWALK)               =
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