Out of ideas - MX-5 with terrible rattle

[JD_mx52008]

Hi all.

Got a 2008 MX-5, which I absolutely love and has been (mostly) trouble free in the three years I've owned it.

Over the summer the car developed a slight rattle from the front/middle (not engine related). Not had the time to work on it myself recently so I've taken it to two different mechanics, and the Mazda dealer near me, and no one has been able to diagnose the fault. The noise is getting worse, and I'm starting to feel unsettled driving the car.

Are there any known faults that I've missed? Have I just been unlucky with the mechanics? What do I do now? Help!

[Nickp82]

So the rattle is caused by movement of the car, not revving of the engine ?

[Wacky Racer]

I have a 2010 MX5 Mk 3,

Exhaust pipe rattling against the underside?

Wheel bearing?

Why not try it on a rolling road?

[Chimune]

Exhaust manifold heat sheild ? Is it worse at certain revs and silent at others ?

[Lincsls1]

Sounds like you don't need to be worried about driving it as such....you've have it checked over by 3 sets of mechanics so the wheels shouldn't fall off! And there should be nothing obvious such as suspension etc.
Could be something like the internals of the cats rattling at certain revs, a heatshield as already suggested or even the springs rattling in the clutch plate!
These things can be tricky to isolate. Good luck.

[Rich K]

Could it be the heatshield that goes over the top of the gearbox, I had this with my 2012 NC.

[Chimune]

Wasnt bad enough to warrant a return visit to ph....

[Belle427]

A lot of noise about a noise and then no noise!