97 Sable Loud Rattling while idling

I have a 1997 Sable that has begun to rattle quite loudly while I am idling. It also starts to rattle when I start the engine up in the morning but then will disappear while driving on the highway. Any hints or advice as to what is causing this noise would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a '94 Sable with the similar condition from what it sounds like. I have concluded that my noise is coming from where the exhaust from the engine meets with the rest of the exhaust. There is a flexible connection there which seems to be "loose" to the ear, but when I examined it more closely, it is attatched securely. Another possibility could be a shroud mounted on the engine, if it comes loose just a bit, it too will rattle upon starting and idling. I hope this helps a bit.

Check for a loose heat shield. It's a piece of metal around the exhaust pipe. Mine's loose and it rattles when the car is cold. Once it heats up it pretty much goes away. You can put a large band clamp around it to tighten it up.

Check for a loose heat shield. It's a piece of metal around the exhaust pipe. Mine's loose and it rattles when the car is cold. Once it heats up it pretty much goes away. You can put a large band clamp around it to tighten it up.

Thanks. I will give your suggestion a try. I was thinking of having the entire engine replaced but it has only 60,000 miles on it and don't want to go to that expense if I can avoid it.

i have this problem also! '98 sable wagon

comforting to now it's not a huge issue!