Started hearing a new noise, getting a bit worried!

[RookieOne]

Recently, in the last 2 weeks, my manual 2000 Gt has started making some metallic rattling noises when driving. The noise sounds almost like a Bolt sitting in a hole without a nut bouncing around randomly. Its a metallic noise that appears relatively randomonly when in gear at low acceleration levels. Don't notice the nolse much at all when at a constant speed or at Idle. Hard acceleration probably makes the sound as well, but the exhaust note probably just hides the sound.

It sounds like its coming from right under the front seats. I've been under the car a few times trying to find a loose part or bolts to no avail. I did a lot of banging and yanking and didn't find any loose heat sheilds, cabling, or fastners, but one still could be hiding.

I'm getting a bit concerned that this sound could be coming from the tranny or clutch. I'm a bit naieve in regards to the internals of these things, but I would expect that a throw out bearing or pilot bearing would cause a much more consistant noise than what I'm hearing. Would the syncros cause such a noise (I can't get the noise to happen when at idle in neutral or even when revving in neutral) Does a Cat go bad, internally, and have a metal part that could be bouncing around inside?

Any thoughts?

 

[gotchopsticks]

check your exhaust flange bolts. ford left one loose after re-installing my x-pipe and it bugged the hell outta me till i got home and fixed it. description sounds the same, mine didnt rattle through certian RPM's either.

 

[89lxsport50]

Could be a cat breaking up internally. Bang on your cats with your fist and see if you hear something rattling inside. Also check the heat shields on the cats. they can come loose and rattle.

 

[the98stang]

God not another poor stang

 

[Kurgan]

Check the clearance of your exhaust on the underside of the car. Also specifically check the heat shields on the catalytic converters. They're like tin plates around the converters, and if bent or loosened can make the rattling noise you're talking about.

 

[1jfuddle]

Look at your transmission mount. My bet is it has seen better days. Replace it with poly if you are willing to handle a little more vibration, but it will last much longer.

 

[RookieOne]

I guess I'm a bit relieved seeing the replies thus far. Nothing very serious has been mentioned as the possible root cause. I guess I was thinking as much, since its a pretty random sound that doesn't seem to be tied directtly to any particular driving action like certain rpm, temperature or gear. It really really sounds like something is just loose and rattling, but I couldn't find it. Have to give it another go when I get home on Thursday

Thanks for the ideas

Thanks

Matt