I'm gonna try this here since it is prob the more appropriate sub-forum:

I park in a parking garage everyday at work and to get out, you spiral down to the exit.

While I'm "spiralling down" the ramp (smooth, no bumps), I hear this noise like something is loose .. very dull rattle - not a squeak, mind you, but an up-and-down rattle-type-of-sound from the passenger front side of the car.

I've popped the hood, put weight on that side of the car (I don't weight much though, lol) - nothing. I've checked the upper side of the motor mount - nothing.

Any ideas or any similar experiences out there? I've had this noise for 3 years now when I got the car @ 34k miles and it is driving me nuts!! It can't be a major issue since I've driven the car without being affected this long, at least I think so!!

 

If it does it when you are going strait and you only hear it when a object is beside you it sounds like a little exaust leak or heat shild rattle. Cut the car on have it reved a little (1.5 -2K Rpm) stick your head near the side see if you hear it. Also sometimes gravel can get behind your brake dust cover and make rattle sounds. But it usually falls out in a few days.

 

I get a dull rattle as well. But it sounds more like a muted metal rattling. If I barely hit the gas in park and I hear it. It stops with a little more gas.

 

I also was hearing this rattling noise at very low rpm's, but it smoothes out after accelerating. Took it to the Acura dealer had a mechanic listen while I tried to point out the noise. He noticed that the the tensioner pulley was almost wobbling around for a second while making this noise and then smoothing out. It seems that the bearings in the pulley have failed. I bought the part from the dealer and haven't installed yet. being lazy but Im sure this will solve the problem, and the mechanic was too. tell me what u guys find out.

 

Could just be a loose cat heat shield.

 

I have the same noise in my 01 CLS. Turns out my passenger side front strut is leaking and probably causing the noise. I also have a dull noise coming from the back and think it is the rear sway bar bushings that need to be replaced. Dealer quoted me about $270 for the strut and $110 to replace the bushing.

 

Did you pay the dealer the $70 diagnostic fee to check this for you!?

 

I had the dealer check it but did not pay the diagnostic fee. I was due for the timing belt so I ask them to figure out what was causing the noise prior to me allowing them to do the timing belt job. I basically said tell me what is causing the noise before I sink $800 into the t belt, water pump, and tensioner etc.. I wanted to make sure it was not gonna cost another 1k to fix the suspension prob.

 

I just replaced the t belt for now. Looking into alternatives for the strut before I fix it so not 100% sure if this will fix the problem just teling you what they said to me.

 

I had the strut and rear sway bar bushing replaced and there is no more clunking at all.