I could use a bit of help please.

[maz087]

My 1996 honda civic has been running very nicely but lately ive been developing a metalic noise that seems to be coming from underneath the car. The sound almost sounds like leaves being tossed around in a plastic bag but the chatter is very metalic. The sound occurs every now and then but mostly when im idling or when i have the clutch all the way in and completely of the gas. as far as i can tell i dont have a dip in rpms when i hear the noise and i cant feel anything in the pedal. However when i heard the noise one day i went around and i was almost positive it was coming from my muffler. i havent replaced it with an aftermarket exhaust yet. does anyone have any tips or ideas on what might me causing this noise?

[bryan305]

heat shields?

[maz087]

heat shields?

possibly, the problem is my car is lowered 2 inches and i cant seem to get enough room with my jacks to really check because the sound isnt always there, it just occurs every now and then.

[john]

Make the room. Drive the car up on a couple/few graduated 2x4s - that should put enough room between the car and the floor to get the jack in.

I'd second the heat shield comment.

How are you going to change your tire when you get a flat if you can't get your jack under the car?

[myshtern]

I had sounds exactly like you are describing.

It turned out to be an exhaust leak in one of the resonators.