Please help find the cause of rattling from under Bongo

[Granty]

Can someone please help? We are new to Bongo-ing and our 1995 FWD 2.5 diesel has an annoying tinny rattling sound coming from what sounds like underneath - in the middle. It sounds like either we are dragging 10 coke cans along the ground or the same sound as keys going around in the washing machine. Its getting louder and louder every day, but only really seems to start after above 15 mph and is worse when the engine is cold. Its been to the garage 3 times now, stripped underneath and still the cause can't be found!! We've had the CV outer joints changed as it was knocking. The noise seems to have started just after its full service.
Please help!! Its driving me mad!!

[Northern Bongolow]

is it a manual g/box?, if not, does it do it most when, or shortly before it changes gear?

[dandywarhol]

Exhaust heatshield perhaps?

[Granty]

Thank you for both your replies, it's an auto and the sound is pretty constant and not related to changing gear unfortunately! And the heat shield was checked this week and was ok!

Noticed today that if run for about half an hour, it reduced alot, it's just really bad when cold.

Thanks again

[baronweetman]

I had a similar rattle in mine some time ago tried everything to no avail. took it to the Bongo service engineer who had a look round outside and in and then wrapped a bit of foam sheet around my saucepans in the cupboard and thet fixed it. LOL

[ronhud]

Sounds are difficult to describe - we need a database of sounds and the discovered cause. I wonder if your problem is a broken exhaust manifold bolt. A Bongo familiar garage would know . If you dont know of one publish your location and someone will advise.
Ron

[M 80NGO]

Is the exhaust rubbing on the rear axel ? i had this issue due to someone welding a repair on the exhaust which altered the angle of the pipe, now here's the interesting bit i would only get the noise when all 4 of us were in the van so my advise to you is to get the van up on ramps and get a couple of fat mates sat in the back while you check underneath for exhaust clearance

[dom_e]

It must be the season for rattling Bongos.

[Granty]

Thank you for the replies, I'm really open to any suggestions. I thought it was exhaust related and we checked that first, will check the bolts and manifold tomorrow,

thanks again, it's much appreciated

[bigdaddycain]

I wonder if the service involved dropping the spare wheel? Maybe it's not been tightened up properly, OR... Have the wheel changing tools been disturbed behind the panel in the sliding door step? They could be loose and knocking on something...