Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Exhaust Brake Rattle?

[hcpBILL]

I have a BD Brake and love it. There is a rattle that seems to originate from the rear of the engine compartment. It is most noticable when the motor is not completely warmed up. I hear it under load above 2000 RPM. Sounds a bit like valvetrain noise but I have already checked the valve lash and everything is OK. The only thing I can find is just a tiny bit of play in the linkage to the exhaust brake. I am not sure it is the brake that is the source of the rattle but I cannot find anything else. Has anyone else with a BD brake noticed any rattle?



Thanks

Bill

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Does it only happen while driving? Can you reproduce this sound while peering under the hood?

 

[ScottLewis]

My wife noticed a rattle similar to what you describe yesterday while we were driving my '98 with a BD brake. When I shut off the brake, the rattle stopped. This was at low speed with brake engaged. It must be coming from the brake. I haven't even looked at it yet.



Dan

 

[hcpBILL]

The sound cannot be reproduced. It is only audible under load (accelerating)above 2000 RPM. When fully warmed up the sound is still there but not as audible as during the warm up period. When the brake is engaged the normal sounds expected with the use of a brake is all that I hear.

I will disable the brake and pin the linkage so there is zero play and give that a try.

Thanks

Bill

 

[jdwroten]

I haven't heard that sound in mine.

 

[hcpBILL]

What I have found is the probable cause. The brake actuator canister is loose. I will talk to the folks at BD about this because the fasteners seem to be tight but I can move the canister by hand. Last time I grabbed this it was not loose.

Thanks

Bill