Rattling noise coming from engine/distributor

[Rocco888]

I have a 2001 Xterra with rattling noise coming from the distributor area. Thought I just needed new distributor replaced but just had good mechanic look at it and take it apart. He said distributor was fine and said rattling noise is below it and would need to take some stuff apart to find the real problem. He mentioned possible timing belt, water pump problem but could be anything without looking. The car has 88,000 miles on it. We are 2nd owner got it around 58K miles and did tune about 3 years ago so thats been not done for financial issues, car runs really good though but this rattling noise when accelerating in 1 & 2nd gear for few secs then goes away is really annoying. Any suggestions to what this may be?

Thanks,

Jason

[03xterrra]

Could be the heat shield. Noise occurs at 2000rpm for a few seconds then disappears. http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28111

[xtacular]

Yep if it happens at a certain rpm it is likely a heat shield on the exhaust. Very common problem. And cheap! Once you figure out which shield it is, either cut it off or clamp it down with a hose clamp, dealer's choice. If you can't narrow it down by feeling around, lay under it while a buddy/wife revs it and listen for where it is coming from.

[Rocco888]

Thanks for the very helpful responses guys. The thing about Noise occurs at 2000rpm for a few seconds then disappears sounds right on. But the noise from the heat shield issue would only be coming from under the car or near the back by the exhaust? The rattling noise I been hearing is coming mainly from the engine/distributor area. Even when your standing by the hood while its idling you can hear the faint gargling/ratting noise in that area. I will definitely check out this heat shield stuff tomorrow though.

Thanks again,

Jason

[CentralOregon]

today, i took apart the dist. after reading on how the bearing can go bad. so i went ahead and did the screw driver to ear test and made sure that the rattling noise i was hearing was definitely coming from the dist. i took it apart piece by piece while it was still mounted to the engine. got all the way down to the bearing and saw that it was a little rusty and getting old. so tomorrow i am going to see where i can order a new bearing. also make sure you know exactly what position the rotor is in and make sure to put it back exactly any q's let me know as well as any suggestions...

cheers from central oregon!

[dymond]

how didi new bearing do for you? i have that same gurgling sound. tapping as I accellerate mostly and smooths out while driving. tryin to figure out.