Engine bay rattle over small bumps or hard braking

[Deadstuff]

Hi guys, been lurking here while I was looking for which car to purchase and just over 4 months ago picked up a 2nd hand 86 with under 80,000kms on the clock. Condition was great and purchased from a very reputable dealership here in Dubai.

2014 Model
Manual Transmission
Unmodified
Previous single owner, middle aged man from new.

On to the issue...
First time I properly popped the hood after buying it was about a month ago in order to refill the wiper reservoir. After that, there was a slight rattling sound when going over uneven ground or when the ABS kicks in during hard braking. Now I've got the feeling that it's just the hood prop rattling up and down as it sounds like hard plastic on metal, however after doing some reading on various topics posted on this forum today, I'm having doubts as to if my very basic assumption is correct.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, in the sense that i've hardly ever done my own maintenance (labour is incredibly cheap here..), but I'm more than willing to troubleshoot and learn in the process.

When travelling at high speeds - No sound
When traveling at low speeds, such as a car park or residential community, I hear it rattle over uneven ground.
Speed bumps - No sound due to proper shock travel.
Hard braking/ABS engaging - Rattling sound consistent with the feel of the ABS engaging. When the ABS is not engaging, such as medium-hard braking at low speed, no sound.

I did a basic examination of the hood prop and found that although it's clipped in securely, there is some pretty noticeable play from where the prop connects into the body of the car. Is there a basic way of tightening this, specifically without risking damage to the unit?

Unfortunately I don't have a manual, I should really download and print one off, but i'm more than happy to take any pictures and try to be as detailed as possible if anyone is able to help!

I haven't noticed any performance issues or any sounds other than this.

Looking forward to any responses and thanks in advance!

[Yoshoobaroo]

Can you feel it mostly in the steering wheel?

My car had very similar symptoms when this was broken.

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133606

[Deadstuff]

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

Can you feel it mostly in the steering wheel?

My car had very similar symptoms when this was broken.

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133606

I'm just about to leave the office, I didn't think about feeling through the steering, I'll report back as soon as I get home. Thanks!

[humfrz]

Well, if you suspect the hood prop rattling, I suggest you duck tape it down and see if the noise stops.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Well, if you suspect the hood prop rattling, I suggest you duck tape it down and see if the noise stops.

Is that bubba’s idea? Genius!

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by Deadstuff

I'm just about to leave the office, I didn't think about feeling through the steering, I'll report back as soon as I get home. Thanks!

If you can feel the clattering through the steering wheel on a gravel/dirt road at ~15mph, it’s likely the power steering coupler.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

Is that bubba’s idea? Genius!

Well, of course -

[Deadstuff]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

Sorry I didn't reply last night, got caught up with a few things and completely forgot until I jumped in the car again this morning.

So, I can feel the rattle slightly through the steering wheel. It's not massively pronounced, but it's definitely there. I'll take a look at the link posted and work my way around opening up the steering cover.

The rattle is at low speeds over uneven roads and also when braking at high speed (around 120-140kmph) and also when braking hard from about 70/80kmph. I had assumed that the rattle and feedback from high-speed braking was due to the ABS being very trigger happy and engaging early, if someone could confirm this is normal? As I like to say..you don't buy a Ferrari and drive it like a Fiat!

I assume that if it was the hood prop rattling, I wouldn't get any steering wheel feedback which coincides with the sound. However, I'll tape it down as suggested and be able to eliminate it as a possibility.

I'm very new to the whole self-maintenance gig, but considering how much I love this car I'm more than ready to learn, so I do appreciate your patience and all the support! Hopefully over the next few months if I can get some finances in order I'm hoping to locate a solid garage here which can help me out with some simple engine mods to try and eliminate the torque dip - it's my only real gripe about the car.

Thanks again!
-Deadstuff