over45

fathers car - hardly drives it. everything is original and he always goes to dealer to service. I did have someone hold the brake pedal down and put it into gear and then opened the hood to listen to the sound it was making - but couldn't hear it. So when sitting inside the car you can hear the sound clearly, but not when the hood is open and it's running. not sure that gives someone a clue. tks for the response.

2008 Forester w/ 30k miles. We are getting a low, rapid tap, tap tap / rattling noise from what sounds like the middle or passanger side of the engine that appears once the car is put into gear. The noise has come on gradually over a few days and only is there when the tires are facing straight ahead (or slightly turned), but goes away once you turn the wheel. All fluids appear to be fine. Don't think it's the heat shield or exhaust. The noise subsides when the car is put into park or neutral. Any idea what this could be? Tks