My '96 XJ has started making a rattling sound at speeds over 35 mph. Its not a low rattle or clunk but sounds more high pitched and fast. I can also feel something rattling but its not very intense. Really sounds like something is loose to me but I have no idea where to start. I just had my exhaust redone and everything looks good exhaust wise. Not the biggest car guy so I was hoping someone has any idea what it could be before I take it to a shop. Open to all questions! Thanks

 

Any idea as to where the noise is coming from?

 

The exhaust was just redone, so thats where i would start. Doublecheck where it passes over the transmission crossmember. Anything touching, or close to touching? Check the shield for the cat if you have one. A broken weld can make a hell of a racket. Fast rattle most of the time, but usually at or close to idle in my experience. Like marbles in a tin can. But not what i would consider high pitch. Without us being there, it complicates things a bit.

It might not even be the exhaust doing it, so look around.

 

From the drivers seat it sounds like it’s on the underside directly below the radio. If it was doing while idling I’d be able to describe it better but that’s the best way I can describe it.