car in gear (R or D) rattle turning wheel

[folkema]

I have a 06 Vibe that has started making a new rattle. Warm or cold, with the car in gear (foot on brake, not moving) and I turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn left or right, I hear a light metallic rattle. It seems vibration caused, as the turning of the wheel causes slight RPM fluctuations. Any idea what might be rattling or where to look?

Thanks in advance for any tips!

[circuitsmith]

Start with the heat shields around the exhaust system.
Raise the car and give each a wiggle and tap.

[sideshowalan]

Agree with the heat shield/exhaust rattling.
Tap on each section until you hear the problem sound. Once you find it, it's a matter of bending the shield away from the exhaust or tightening it up with a hose clamp.

Anecdote: my 03 had a rattle in the rear, found I could recreate it by banging my hand around the muffler area, after doing this for a minute a small pebble fell down and the sound went away.