noise...rattles

[MICKA404]

got 02 2ltr duratorq turbo 75ps fwd
when i put my foot down and pulling away i get this rattleing noise which i think is coming from the driveshafts or gearbox but seems to go away when its cruseing (WELL ITS NOT SO NOTICEABLE) also if i give it some pedal and take my foot off again theres a bit of a clank is this play in the driveshafts, its been like this for 12 mths and its very annoying is it lightly to pack up on me or should i carry on and put up wwwith it I will shortly be doing a 1200 mile round journey and am a little worried it might go wrong as i dont have breakdown cover.
regards mike

[AndyG]

Check the engine mounts

And you'd better get some cover

[MICKA404]

thanks andyg anyone got any ideas about the rattles

mike

[AndyG]

The rattling could simply be worn shock obsorbers
Get the vehicle jacked up and rock the front wheels and see if there's any play or take it to your local friendly garage for them to have a look at and make sure it's safe for your journey

nearly forgot check your wheel nuts

[MICKA404]

iI dought if its any of that, as its gone through its mot 6 wks ago,its very noticeable if im driveing along a narrow road with the window down, as the rattle echo"s off the buildings (if rattle is the right word for it) but only when its pulling. as soon as i take my foot off the pedal it stops.

mike

[Guy88]

CV joints

[MICKA404]

its a FWD, how do i check them ,is that where the shaft goes into the gearbox, or the roadwheele end if you know what i mean
mike

[AndyG]

Check the front springs carefully my cousin's Vectra had a rattle as you drove along and got worse over any bumps Turned out to be half a turn of the coil spring (off the end of the coil spring) broken and floating around the ride hieght was not affected and nor was the handling

[Guy88]

CV joints are under the 2 rubber gaitors. to check them grab the driveshaft and try turning it