2000 Jeep Cherokee
4.0 L, 6 cyl, automatic

Annoying rattle from rear of jeep at idle; first thought it was the hatch bumpers needing replacement, nope.
The rattle seems to be coming from the center of the rear cargo area floor, you can literally feel vibration with your hand.
Everything seems tight underneath - any suggestions/thoughts?

Mark

 

Check license plate bracket, also crossmember

 

Very few moving parts back there when sitting at idle. Drivetrain, shocks, sway bar, u-bolts, and brakes are all sitting still. Its probably exhaust related. Check your exhaust pipe clearances and the condition of the hangers and pipes. Also the parking brake cables sometimes end up on the muffler causing a rattle (they are normally held up out of the way by springs). My guess is that it is the exhaust pipe going over the cross member, even though this is a little further forward, it often resonates through the unibody rails and feels like it is coming from further back.