Liberty Rattle :(

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:43 pm

G'day all,

I've got a mate's liberty that I've had the privilege of it's use for the last month or two. Since he got the car it's had a rattle in the rear end on the left. It only happens at low revs when the engine is just above that labouring rev loading; when you use the clutch really harsh and sometimes when you're cruising over those little bumps on the freeway.

It was only on the left but I have noticed it on the RHS too. I had found a fuel or brake line that was not held in it's bracket, thought I had it at that one but alas it wasn't the culprit. I also thought it was the hand brake cable so I cable tied that up as I could see where it had been rubbing.

I really need to get this rear end up so I can get under it and have a real good look around, but I don't have a set of ramps (yet).

I thought the collective knowledge of the forum might be able to help me out or point me in the right direction.

We've had the door skins off but it sounds like it's coming from the skirts under the back seat and it really sounds like a metal fuel line or brake line that's rattling.

I'm keen to get to the bottom of this before I give it back - I've got some time up my sleeve but best to start on this early

Cheers

Bennie

LLOUD · Post by **LLOUD** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 6:10 pm

wagon?

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 6:19 pm

LLOUD wrote:wagon?

Sorry, yes it is. Gen 2, 1995 build, '96 compliance from memory.

Rear end is rather low, it might have a set of sedan rear struts, apparently they're different and make the rear sit low in the wagons.

Cheers

Bennie

pezimm · Post by **pezimm** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 6:52 pm

Hummm, I'm not that familiar with Liberties (or is it Libertys??), but my modus operandi on rattles is to remove items one by one until the rattle is gone.

Could be:
- back seat backs anchoring point to spring tower - the Foz suffers from that...
- door seal lubrication? - i had this persistent rattle that I could've swore was coming from the door latch and it was just the rubber seal too dry
- internal plastic panels and their mounting points
- (silly question): luggage cover??

Underneath the car, I found a loose sway bar mounting bracket the other day, so I assume you've checked all reachable bolts??

My spring perch also collected some stones that were too big to come out the bottom drain, they could rattle, but you need a sonic ear to pick that up ??

Sorry I can't help further, you probably checked all these already... Rattles do my head in until you can pin point where they come from. Then I seem to relax and not worry too much anymore.

Pedro.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:07 pm

Some great things to check out there Pedro! Thanks!

I can't get all the way under the car, I have trouble even getting my head under it sideways it's THAT low! Definitely the lowest car I've been a part of!

I really need to get a set of ramps with the extensions. Might have to go visit ebay to see what's up on there

Cheers

Bennie

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:17 pm

You really do need a set of rumps!
I would start looking on bushes/rubber grommets, have you gotten at the back of the Liberty for closer listening while someone drives it?
Cheers
AP

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:19 pm

AlpineRaven wrote:have you gotten at the back of the Liberty for closer listening while someone drives it?

I have, and it's still really hard to pin point. It sounds like you're sitting on it but also as if it's in the door sill under the car, but at the rear of the seat...

Fun fun.

Cheers

Bennie

LLOUD · Post by **LLOUD** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:15 pm

Yeah if its a wagon fold the rear seats down and see if it goes away

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:21 pm

LLOUD wrote:Yeah if its a wagon fold the rear seats down and see if it goes away

Ok, I'll give that one a go. The seats have been left up all the time so another thing to try

Cheers

Bennie

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:56 pm

El_Freddo wrote: I really need to get this rear end up so I can get under it and have a real good look around, but I don't have a set of ramps (yet).

I just got myself a pair of Sceptor plastic car ramps...great, handle 1150kg each & best of all, they're plastic so wont rust & if you do happen to brush your Subie with them, they wont gouge your paint. On special at Repco for $79, $50 off

Cant really help with the rattles other than the usual culprits...loose suspension parts, worn bushes & everyone's favourite, the exhaust. Could also be loose change down the back of the seat...seriously, I'm not joking!

pezimm · Post by **pezimm** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:27 am

nachaluva wrote:Could also be loose change down the back of the seat...seriously, I'm not joking!

Very good point!!!

Time to get the back seat bottoms out and check out...

Pedro.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 1:27 pm

Also look in the rear pockets and spare wheel area for anything loose

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:38 pm

RSR 555 wrote:Also look in the rear pockets and spare wheel area for anything loose

Same with side pockets in the cargo bay.
Cheers
AP

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:42 pm

had the similar problem in a mates car, turned out to be the rear shocks

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:08 pm

Nah I doubt it'll be the rear shocks - this is a rattle, not a knock.

The rattle can occur at low labouring revs, poor clutch actions (if you do a bit of a dump you'll get it everytime) and at speed over certain types of bumps etc.

With the seat base up and that backs folded down it seemed to be harder to make the noise do it's thing, but it was still there in the same place.

Cheers

Bennie