Originally posted by John Reece:
I can only post my own experience with the rattling noise from the clutch area. My clutch was working on its own schedule, sometimes yes, sometimes no. With 75,000 miles, I replaced the clutch, presssure plate, etc. The racket was coming from a rivit head that had broken off the pressure plate spring retainers. Evidently, it was getting hung-up when it wasn't busy whirling around, polishing the inside of the bell-housing.
I get the "rocks rattling in a can" sound when I have the revs too low and give it gas (ie - "lugging it", usually only happens below 1500 RPM. It's noticeable but not terribly loud - I can only really hear it if I'm driving beside a wall. I have heard the term "clutch chatter" and wonder if this is what I have? FWIW, the noise gets really loud if I mess up my takeoff and the car is about to stall.
