As i'm driving along sometimes i can hear a knocking/rattling noice. I notice it more on uneven roads and going down hill. I wouldn't say its a banging noice, it's kind of like when a lid has not been shut properly and just needs securing. I can't narrow it down to the front or the rear of the car, but i think it's coming from my side of the car. Any ideas what it could be? Thank you!!

I would look at control arm bushes and radiator mounts both can cause a knocking and are simple to check.

Radiator mounts I reckon. Sounds similar to an issue I had and (similarly) couldn't detect front or rear due to the noise "bouncing" around.

Check the radiator mountings manually, and check the ARB mounting and drop link bushes before you do anything else (esp on the vRS).

Centre exhaust mount I recon.

If it's a metallic rattle over rough surfaces.

Simple to check. When the exhaust is cold, reach under the car and shake the exhaust pipe downstream of the cat. Give it a good hard shake up and down, and see if you can emulate the noise. If it is the exhaust mount, it's a simple fix. 3 options: weld the mount back on, jubilee clip it back on, or replace the centre section of the exhaust system. Personally I went for the weld option. Only a 15 minute job with a MIG unit and some ramps.

P.S. Be wary of touching the cat, as they stay very hot long after the rest of the car has cooled down.

If it's not the exhaust, then radiator mounts and ARB bushes would be the next to check.

The plastic undertray was a source of noise on my car. Came loose on one side and was flapping around.

I found a small black screw driver bouncing about under the bonnet after a service !!!!

Roger.

I have exactly the same problem, and i reckon is a broken bracket holding the exhaust on.

Dont want to pay for a new exhaust, just a weld or new bracket.

(if anyone knows who can weld in glasgow area, be appreciated!!!)

Henry's welded up a broken bracket for me at no charge (during oil service).

I am getting rattling noise during clutch release sometimes. i.e. when i release clutch quickly in a slope, it is making vibration in the right side underbody. But I couldn't find the source still now.

Check the tailgate inner plastic cover for security, mine was loose on the clips causing an annoying rattle

Thanks, is already booked in there.

had kwik fit look at it, was never going to go there for any work, but good to get someones thoughts even if it kwik fits.

they suggested a new exhaust! or a weld!

will see what henry's do....