Rattle on acceleration

[m4rkw]

I have a 2006 Harrier. Recently I noticed that when accelerating from 0-20mph there is a distinct metallic rattle coming from the front of the car. After 20mph it goes away. It's going in to the garage on monday but I'm curious if anyone knows what this might be. I was thinking maybe a pulley but it seems odd that a loose pulley would stop rattling after 20mph. Could it be a chain tensioner?

[Herbie]

May be a heat shield on the exhaust that's come adrift?

[m4rkw]

Hmm. Would that still rattle if I revved it in neutral? This rattle only occurs under load.

[bullhorn]

Had the same problem on our is200.

Rattle at 2200 rev/min but only when accelerating.

It was the heat shield around the exhaust-about half way down under the car.

Cured by clamping the heat shield to the exhaust pipe with a large jubilee clip.

Hope that helps.