GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello Everyone

Just joined this forum.

Hope I can get some help diagnosing a problem with my 2003 Vibe GT.

I really like the car, and it starts and runs well.

However, in all gears when I hit 2800 to 3000 RPM, I Hear a chain like rattling sound.

Above or below this range there is no sound.

No vibration is transferred into the steering wheel or interior.

No sound at Start up, only when hitting this RPM Range.

Could this be a motor mount or a chain tensioner?

Any advice would be appreciated.


Thanks

Mike

Helllo Mods could you OK this post please?

Welcome to GenVibe Mike I can't specifically point out your problem as mine (2004 Vibe GT, 195K miles) does not have that condition while shifting through the gears. I doubt it would be a motor mount because you'd likely hear/feel it regardless of rpm's but more based on speed & terrain. Can you replicate the sound when "not in gear"? Possibly a loose heat shield or something related to the exhaust components? Fill us in on other details which might help us troubleshoot the problem for you. Mileage? How long have you owned it? Where (state/country) is this OR has this been driven in? Thanks for reaching out to us

Thanks for your help on this.

I bought the car this August, so maybe 5 weeks ago.



149000 miles
Originally from Minnesota has been in Florida for 7 years
Changed the oil
Changed the gear case lube
Clean air filter
Brake pads all have plenty of life
Clutch was replaced 2 years prior I'm told.
2003 model year GT model.
As above I live in Florida....

Starts and runs very well.

This sound is similar to a rattle like a chain on your 10 speed between gears.

This along with a wobbling sound like its lugging.

Or a heat shield now that you mention it.

However, if it was a heat shield the puzzling thing is it only happens from 2800 to 3000 RPM in all gears.

Could the Flywheel be off balance? I hear the flywheel on these cars is very light and does not have much inertia.

I think it may be a chain tensioner but don't want to just throw parts at the problem until I do some research.

Thanks for any suggestions.

mikeibe2003 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 23, 2025 12:13 pm
However, if it was a heat shield the puzzling thing is it only happens from 2800 to 3000 RPM in all gears.

I had a loose heat shield on my truck that only rattled at a small engine RPM range. I think the engine vibration matched the resonant frequency of the loose shield.

Thanks for your reply.

I will jack the car up and check the heat shields for the exhaust.

Resonant frequency is a clue I believe.