Pebbles in a tin can...

[dereksheppard]

That's the best way I can describe a new sound in my 04 GT. As if someone is vigorously shaking the tin can. It's not really loud, but without the stereo going I can definitely hear it. I notice it when I'm in city traffic in second or third. When I'm cruising it won't make the noise unless I let off the gas. The sound goes away when when I press the gas, even slightly (so I know I'm not drowning it out with engine noise).Any idea what it could be? Thanks in advance for your help.

[northvibe]

oh maybe the lift bolts broke! :s i think ive heard of that before

[drunkenmaxx]

i vote for tranny heat shield.

[wyatt89]

i get this too, when i am off the gas (say slowing down from 30 and i stick it on 2nd gear) i have no idea what it is....

[dereksheppard]

Any idea how I might test to see if this is it? Thanks.

[tcam]

If it's your heat shield, then u just take a peak behind the engine where your exhaust manifold is, and tighten down any bolts that have become loose. If it's your lift pin, then it's a little more involved. You have to take off your valve cover, and check out what's goin on with the pin. There was a how-to post for this from a long time ago if you are wanting to persue it. I don't think your definition really sounds like the lift pin though.

[goodvibe]

Throw our bearings can do that but it's a lot more likely to chirp, chirp, chirp. Usually more of problem when not in gear.

[BlueCrush]

Does it make the noise when you are parked/in neutral and rev the motor a little?

[northvibe]

After doing some reading, its probably not the lift bolts. They only had issues with those on the first gen 2zz in the celica. The better built lift was in the 2zz right before the vibe was made. Im going to say it may be a loose bolt on the exhaust or exhause manifold.

[dereksheppard]

Nope, doesn't make the sound when I'm parked and in neutral. Only when in gear and moving. It's definitely not a chirp, chirp sound, either. I'll check out those bolts as soon as I can. I did some more searching and agree it's not likely the lift bolts. Lift works just fine, too. Obviously the cars are quite different, but I found a WRX board where people report a remarkably similar situation. (LOOOOONG thread)http://forums.nasioc.com/forum....htmlOne guy posted a letter from Subaru of America that explained: "he WRX is different from other Subaru vehicles in that it has been designedwith more durability to handle the additional performance. Some of theseenhancements for durability result in different noises that may not be presentin the everyday Subaru vehicles like the Outback and Legacy models.The WRX uses a high performance, low-friction driveline. There are no dampeningpucks and the various gears in the transmission and differentials are cut withmore of a straight edge vs. a beveled/angled edge. The straighter edge resultsin more noise. It is a compromise between a racing dogbox with completelystraight-cut gears and a typical everyday manual transmission. But, it doesresult in more noise, expecially during deceleration when there is moredriveline backlash. Driveline backlash is not an indication of a problem andhas not resulted in any long term reliability issues. As you may know, manyearly WRX vehicle owners have already exceeded 100,000 miles or more."Not sure if the Vibe GTs are similar in this respect.