Rattling under 2000 rpm

[qtherampage]

1984 Tercel 4WD wagon -
I've noticed recently a rattling sound coming from somewhere in the front end. It happens only when I'm in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear (or maybe 4th and 5th but I can't hear it) at under around 2200 rpm. I also hear it when I engage the clutch in these gears. I haven't had the car for too long but I've only started hearing it recently. It also feels as though it's getting slightly more difficult getting it into 2nd (although I may just be being paranoid), but it isn't slipping out of gear at all. I do have a small oil leak which does not appear to be getting any worse but I don't think that would have anything to do with this. Thoughts?? Thanks!

[Petros]

check the front exhaust pipe clamp that it is in place and tight. It attaches to the left side of the transmission, when it rattles it sounds like it is coming from the trans. Not really a problem if that is the cause, but it is annoying.

The other thing that can cause that is the heat shield on the exhaust pipe and cat converter, if you find any loose heat shield you can use a large hose clamp on it to stop the rattle.

[qtherampage]

check the front exhaust pipe clamp that it is in place and tight. It attaches to the left side of the transmission, when it rattles it sounds like it is coming from the trans. Not really a problem if that is the cause, but it is annoying.

The other thing that can cause that is the heat shield on the exhaust pipe and cat converter, if you find any loose heat shield you can use a large hose clamp on it to stop the rattle.

Thanks you! Will do. I don't know if I put this in the original post, but it's an SR5, don't know if that makes a difference. Other people I've asked are telling me it's likely the transmission.

[Petros]

you usually do not get a rattle from the trans, you get really bad sounding noises. Sometimes it makes gear and bearing noises when it is low on lube. You might do a trans flush with ATF. If you never checked the gear lube level, or changed it, it is time for a change now. Drain the old gear lube by removing all three drain plugs (tip, make sure you get the filler plug out first so you can refill it). put in 50/50 cheap 90 wt gear lube and automatic trans fluid mix and drive it for a day or so, get it hot at freeway speeds, than drain it all when warm and than refill quality gear lube per factory spec. I have also found that a 50/50 mix of conventional gear lube and synthetic gear lube works well. All synthetic gear lube makes the syncros not work (too slippery) and it will seep from the seals.

It is important to keep the lube in the trans in good condition, it will keep the trans working well for many thousands of miles.

[qtherampage]

[quote="Petros"]If you never checked the gear lube level, or changed it, it is time for a change now.

Gear oil was full when I bought it about 2 months ago - guy who sold it to me showed me hoq to check it and all.