Rattle Noise Diagnosis

Hello Taco fam
I've had a 2TR-FE 2nd Gen for about 6 months now and have been enjoying the 15 year difference from my 96 However one issue I've been having is a rattle sound at about 20-40. Particularly when slowing then picking up speed and staying there. Sound could be described as a rock in a pop can, a rattling in the front end. Is not present at idle or highway speeds and most importantly on first start up when cold. Taking out the chance of piston slap, timing chain or rod knock what do you guys think it could be? I've had the fuel injectors "cleaned" which probably only cleaned me of $200 lol. I understand sometimes the VVTI can be noisy but why under the conditons I've outlined? Mine is a 2011 so I only have it on the intake I believe. I've already de-catted it as well and can't find anything loose underneath. Losing my mind trying to find it! Any tips or suggestions would really help. Thanks!

 

check the bolts securing the heat shield around your exhaust

 

I should check mine. Thanks!

 

Does it have that tinny metallic twang to it? If so then if look at the heat shields. Mine wore perfectly around the nut. 2 fender washers per mounting point fixed that.

If it's more of a dull not metallic sound, look at the air cleaner intake. I have to preload mine to stop a rattle. Turn it clockwise, then tighten the clamp.

 

Thanks I checked into the heat shields and catalytic converters already. Now it has neither  Definetly a metal on metal sound on the drivers side, I've had it to a mechanic and scan diagnosed. Things seem in the green. I'm probably going to take off valve cover and oil pan for a closer inspection. It's just strange because if any of the internals were as loose as it sounds I'm sure something would have risen by now. Guess I will keep commuting and praying lol

 

Did you check and see if it could be the idler pulleys or tensioner pulley? Mine made a similar sound and changed them all and the noise is gone

 

Oh you know what I havent! I had a squeal earlier before I changed the belt. With a new one and warmer weather that's gone away completly but maybe I need to mic the idler and tensioner and see if that's the source while driving. I will post back when I do thanks!