High pitched intermittent rattle

[Gladiator]

My car has developed an intermittent high pitch metallic sounding rattle, sounds somewhat like a bicycle bell? It seems to be coming from the rear of the engine, some where around the bell housing, and is more easily heard from the exhaust side of the engine bay. I generally here it as the clutch comes up to the friction point when backing out of my garage, but it will happen intermittently at idle as well. I'm thinking that due to the high pitch sound, it's got to be a small bracket that's loose. Exhaust shields and brackets seem fine. Anyone had this or got ideas?
Cheers

Andrew

[Magpie]

Mine had a rattle sound when hitting about 4,000 rpm, it turned out to be the heat sheild on the exhaust under the car. If you ring MX5 Plus and ask Jason he may tell you where the exact offending part was on mine (Blue NA MX5).

[plohl]

Mine started doing something similar. It was the cat.

[vrmmmpshhh]

if it happens when the clutch is out and quitens when in then its the clutch fork.. grease it up where the cable connects and cross your fingers that helps

[JBT]

...I'm thinking that due to the high pitch sound, it's got to be a small bracket that's loose...

As per vrmmmpshhh. The clutch slave push rod to release lever connection can cause this sort of noise. A dab of grease may fix it. Otherwise, look for a loose baffle/shield.

[93_Clubman]

NA6 also frequently develops a squeak stationary at idle which stops when clutch pedal is depressed. For almost everything you've ever wanted to know about MX5 noises see here (about third of the way down for clutch): http://www.miata.net/garage/noises.html

[Gladiator]

Thanks all. I found it. On closer inspection it was the heat shield right beside the bell housing. The bracket had rusted through, & I've Fixed it for now with a hose clamp. We'll see how long it lasts.
Cheers.