Rattle coming from Engine Bay/Front

Hello,
My 2005 v6 Tacoma makes a rattling noise at low RPMS. Does not matter if it is in Park, Drive, Etc.. It is louder when cold. Happens between 1000-1500RPM. Once RPMs rise the noise stops. Cat Heat Shield is not loose. Front Skid Plate is bolted on correctly.

 

Video with sound would help, does it do it whether the A/C is on or not?

You can remove the drive belt and run it a few min to rule out anything on the accessory drive just don't run it long because the water pump won't be turning.

 

Thank you for the reply, AC being on or off does not affect rattle. I will try running it without the belt like you suggested.

 

Check air input for air filter which is at passenger fender. The foam wears off and ine intake rattles.

 

This ^

 

I’ve been hunting for a culprit like this for a while. It’s rare for me but it happens when I load the engine slightly accelerating around 1500rpm

 

had rattle that would drive me crazy at low rpm under load, like when it’s in 5th gear in auto at 1500rpm or so. And yes it was my intake pipe.

 

I have the TRD CAI and I removed it from the truck but couldn't find anything that would rattle in there. could you elaborate on where you found the rattle? Thanks!

 

so I have the stock intake.

you have the stock box where the intake filter sits, and then there is a tube that runs to fender area. There is a hole in the fender well where that intake tube goes into. Now where the intake tube goes into the fender well, there is supposed to be a foam but it wears out so the intake tube sits against the metal “frame” or structure of the fender well…..

so as the engine is running, it vibrates and the pipe vibrates against the metal in the fender well and it translates into the cabin. That was what was causing my noise/vibration. So I just had to reposition that said intake pipe. Just move it a little. It has some play it in it. Just try to center it.

 

After obsessing over this rattle for ages now I finally found the culprit. It was an “l bracket” that secures the front bumper valence to the crush bar in front of the radiator. The rivets where loosening and the bracket only rattled under the right circumstances. I can finally rest.

 

Sounds like you're likely experiencing what was a common thing- Back in the day there was a TSB for this on the early 2nd gen's(My 07 experienced the issue).
Essentially the intake tube gets stiff in cold weather until the engine bay warms it up and the stiff tube causes the airbox to rattle against the inner fender.