Guys my TF makes this rattling or tapping noise when I first start it on a cold morning, then when I throw it into reverse the rattling becomes much louder to the point where it's almost embarrassing. The sound disappears when the car has warmed up and throughout the day even when it's cold but had sunlight on it.

Anyone had this same problem and can offer up a solution?

I would have a look at the exhaust system, may not be hung properly with the correct clearance. Also there is a piece of metal inside the "Y" joint that some people had removed because of a rattle. Just guessing, but!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC9jUTCuhMM

Is it this sound? If so, its your Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner.

I have the same problem with my car, although I'll get around to fixing it soon enough

If it is more like a growl then a harsh rattle, word going round is it's caused the accessory drive belt tension. Some suggest just tightening them, however if you know your belts are old, then replacing them and making sure they're at the correct tension wouldn't hurt.

My lovely car does this same thing, and I think I'll replace my belts on the weekend. I'll let you know how I go.

It also rattles like a diesel when it's warm, rattles like a freight train when it's cold and rattles when you drive over a bump, but hey you take the good with the bad. :)

My TJ has the exact noise as that video - and the noise goes away after 10 seconds or so.

I guess I'm up for a new belt on the next service. :)

I've got that lovely sound too. Replacing the tensioner doesnt cost as much as the timing belt does it?

Guys my TF makes this rattling or tapping noise when I first start it on a cold morning, then when I throw it into reverse the rattling becomes much louder to the point where it's almost embarrassing. The sound disappears when the car has warmed up and throughout the day even when it's cold but had sunlight on it.

Anyone had this same problem and can offer up a solution?

+1 for the Drive belt tension. I've had this before on my TW & previous models and just had the same resonant rattle at cold start under load in reverse rectified by the dealership who tightened the belts. It only took 2.5 yrs, an unnecessary y-pipe replacement and 3 dealerships to get it right. Ironically I suggested the drive belts at Visit number one back in 2007.

Stupid question probably, but is the drive belt and timing belt the same thing? Meaning that tightening the drive belt would be just as difficult to do as changing the timing belt over?

No, your drive belts are you A/C, P/C and alt belts, your timing belt is your timing belt. Check tension and condition of drive belts.

Stupid question probably, but is the drive belt and timing belt the same thing? Meaning that tightening the drive belt would be just as difficult to do as changing the timing belt over?

Drive belt is the crank pulley/alternator belt (external), timing belt is behind the plastic timing covers. If it sounds similar to a rattly exhaust then go for the drive belt if the exhaust is good. The workshop manuals in these forums will tell you how. If the belt is really old or cracked then I'd replace it but the pwr steering belt is the pain in the ass one at least on my TW anyway. I found it difficult getting to and adjusting the pwr steer belt tensioner.

Not really mate, just need to loosen the other tenionser holding on the A/C belt. You'll need a 1/2" breaker to put tension on the P/S pulley or even better an actual torque wrench.

so in the video its the tensioner that's failed? if so, how much (roughly) to replace it, both self and at a workshop.

the belt would cost bugger all, i'm assuming, but when something is called 'hydraulic' you just know there'll be relatively high prices.

thanks.

Hydarulic tensioner is about $160 from mitsubishi. Installation I'm not too sure....belt I'm guessing may have to be re-tensioned aswell but it's possible you may be able to get away with just replacing the tensioner