Nissan Repair: 96 Nissan Pathfinder, mechanic friend, nissan pathfinder

Question
I have a rattling or shaking or vibrating metal sound coming from underneath the vehicle passenger side front area.  I've heard this noise before and a mechanic just bent something underneath to make it stop.  Well now, 4 years later, it is back and it is getting worse.  It occurs when the vehicle is running and louder upon acceleration or slowing down.  I haven't taken it to a mechanic yet because I'm busy right now with a move and I can't be without transportation right now.  Can you help?  What should I do and how much will it cost in time and money?  Thanks, Leeza

Answer
Leeza,

Sounds like the heat shield for the exhaust.  I would put the car on a lift and check it out.  The only cost should be putting it up on a lift.  If you have a mechanic friend they could drive it up on the curb and set the brake and get under the car and bend the shield back where it does not rattle.  Now, since it is over ten years old you could have a broken engine mount that could be allowing the metal to contact the body and that could cause the noise too.  It is just a matter of getting under the car to check it out.  If it is a motor mount it would be about $150 to replace.