Miata Mailing List: March 1993, Message #105
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re: Greetings and a question about rattling
   Date: (none)


On Mon, 29 Mar 1993, Tyler Walker wrote:

> > 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 find this interesting. I do my own oil changes, every 3k miles, and
there was a mechanic under the car exactly once in the last 20,000 miles.
I've had no problem, though. I'll have to check those bolts, now that I
know about them.

Ken

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  Ken Warren             |The secrets of a good life are early nights, good
                         |food, excercise, and clean living...
  E-Mail: kenw@netaxs.com|But the secrets of a happy life are late nights,
                         |wild parties, kinky sex, and junk food!
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