Engine rattle at low revs - heat shield, scuttle or bolt?

[bigvin]

Hi,

Have had my 2013 TDI140 DSG for a few months, and ever since I got it from the dealer there has been an intermittent rattle at @1500 revs, which seems to disappear at @1800 revs onwards. I have read a few posts on here as to what it might be, and have mainly been trying to fix it so far with placing thin bits of foam around the scuttle and bonnet hinge. Sometimes this works for a week or so, and others a few days. Seems to be worse when the bonnet is down, as have tried to do a rev test with it up and then with it down. It also seems to vary where it is fine at the start of a journey, but after about 5-10 minutes can be more evident.

I’m trying to figure out if I have one issue or a combination, so would just like to see what the most likely cause might be. I’m reluctant to take it to a garage as I don’t think they would probably find the cause, but still charge for the privilege.

If it’s likely to be bodywork, am I in the right area? I can see that the scuttle is in 2 parts as it comes away at the middle. I have tried putting some foam where the 2 parts meet with temporary success. Likewise with the bonnet hinges....is this a likely area? If it’s the heat shield like I have read, would I most likely get that all the time, or would that only happen more when the car is hot, and would the bonnet up or down make a difference (although I can’t really see why). Are there any common areas that come loose that with a bit of bolt tightening might sort it out?

Sorry if I seem like I’m asking a lot of questions, but it would be nice to get this sorted out if I can. I know that a diesel car is not going to be the quietest, but the rattle noise is quite annoying and I like my cars to be the best they can if possible.

Many thanks in advance.

Ps. As a shot in the dark, could it be the timing belt as I had that changed before I bought the car...not sure if that would make this kind of noise at low revs or not.

[Cuprabob]

You can rule out the timing belt, it won't be that. Timing chains can rattle but belts don't. The bonnet stay is known to rattle.

[Cuprabob]

It's also been known for the VIN plate inside the windscreen to come loose and rattle.

[bigvin]

@Cuprabob, thanks for those suggestions......not tried those areas yet.