I wish there would be a way of defining "too loud"

 

That would be up to each owner I think because the rattle noise differs between each car. I would think the point of it being too loud is either when the noise is different than normal as in the post before yours or when it starts pissing you off lol. Purely subjective though I wish there was a definite line as well.

 

Appreciate the post John D II. I think the key thing here is watch for any changes in the usual normal engine noise . If the noise gets significantly worse or sounds different its time to have it checked out. In your case it saved you a good chunck of change. Now your car is good for another 100k.

 

I really hope so :-)