Metal rattling sound, under car....help!?

Question

My car is 2004 Chevrolet Optra 5, (automatic) with about 85,000 km on it. Last week I was driving and the bottom part of the exhaust heat shield fell off, my Dad got under the car to see what had happened and was able to easily pull off the top part of it, as it was loose and would probably haven fallen off next time I drove...anyways now my car is making a rattling noise under the front, it sounds like metal rattling and the slightest bump or vibration causes it, even shutting the passenger door or trunk will cause me to hear this noise. I am going to have it looked at but in the meantime any suggestions on what it could be would be great!! I have tried searching for the answer on yahoo and most people have suggested the exhaust heat sheild, but mine has already fallen off, so I'm feeling a little lost....

Answer 1

Have your dad reinspect the exhaust.  The piece that was removed may have been riveted to another.  Now it has no support & is bouncing around on the exhaust tubing.

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Answer 2

Parts generally don't 'fall off' a 2004,  rather you hit something and don't realize it.

[[Wait until the exhaust is completely cooled]]

You may have knocked the catalyst honeycomb loose inside the catalytic converter.  Try giving it a couple sharp raps with your knuckles and see if it makes the same rattling noise.

Or, if you can get to it easily enough, remove the oxygen sensor from the catalytic converter and stick your finger inside  and see if you can move the stuff around.

Answer 3

its a problem at the exhaust

Answer 4

it means the pipe r5unning from the front of your car to the exhaust is lose this happened to me and it really toke the mic.

i think thats what makes your exhaust fall off in the first place