Thank you so much for spending the time to check that out, I really appreciate you doing that. And it does strengthen my belief that my CV joint is worn and could well be causing my problem. I'll change it hopefully soon and report back.

Welcome

Hi all,

Recently bought a second hand I30 FD. I've noticed there is a rasping noise from the front of the car when accelerating, which seems to be loudest in 2nd and 3rd gear around 20-30mph.

It stops immediately when I take my foot off the accelerator, so I'm certain it's not wheel bearings. It sounds more like an exhaust blowing but the car had an MOT a few weeks ago with no issues identified.

I have noticed the exhaust manifold heat shield has some play in it - all the fixing bolts are tight  however there is a metal netting around each fixing hole and the whole shield can easily be moved a few mm.

I wanted to ask if these were supposed to be fixed firm, as if so this may be the source of the noise.

Thank you, @BrendanP, that will be very much appreciated. I have read that there should be absolutely no play laterally (up/down or side to side) but in and out of the joint shoukld have movement. I've also read that a worn inner CV causes vibration/wobbling whilst a worn outer CV causes clicking sounds. Which is what has directed men to a possibly worn inner joint.

I've had the wheels balanced, which didn't change anything, but haven't had tracking checked yet. Suspension bushes and linkages all seem OK.

Hi there, MarkAndyJ

to the forum.