Rapping noise when stopped and in drive??

OK my 1999 XJ auto, 231 is just giving me hell this week. anyway, has anyone else experienced this problem. When I come to stop at a red light with my foot on the brake with the car still in gear, i get this hollow tapping noise, like an interior rattle but it sounds kinda muffled??? It is bugging the hell out of me. However, as soon as I shift into neutral or park, it immediately quits. It is also only present when I am at a complete stop. I let the car creep forward by letting of the brake (in drive), and it is gone.

I just can't understand it, and it is really, really annoying. Friend said it might be exhaust??? i don't know. :helpme:

I would check your tranny and motor mounts ?

I would additionally check loose tranny to engine bolts aswell as flexplate bolts.

those are the initial culprits that come to mind first.

pete

I bet it is your CAT that is making that noise. Does it go away with little throttle?

-K-

Yeah if you give it the slightest bit of gas, or even let the car inch forwards at idle it goes away. I did notice one exhaust mount thats rusted through though... in fact they all look shitty. here's some pics, the one at the top being the worst.






Still I grabbed the exhaust shook it and it felt solid, so this doesn't explain it, does it? I'd like to replace them anyway tho... anyone know where to get them?

Re: Rapping noise when stopped and in drive?? FIXED!

it was the f#$%#@ exhaust mounts. a quick trip to home depot to pick up some u bolts and plates and tightened down and voila! noise gone. great because that was REALLY annoying.

Re: Rapping noise when stopped and in drive?? FIXED!

good job.

congrats.

pete