Really bad rattle!

Post by **poppet** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 7:50 am

Hi
I've had a 'rattling' problem with Poppy for some time now which has got progressively worse unfortunately. Someone told me that if you can hear noises then all is attached - when the noise stops it means you have a problem because something has dropped off!! So far nothing has dropped off.
She does not make the noise when sitting at idle, only when in motion. The steering is fine although I know she needs another steering rack however this is not the same 'rattle'.
It has been suggested it might be her prop shaft -
If this her problem do I have a big/expensive job on my hands?

Does anyone have any other suggestions which I might check out?

Thank you
Liz

Post by **Onne** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 8:29 am

Can you hear the noise depending on the amount of revs of the engine, or the actual speed of the car, ie if you go through the gears, does the noise go up and down?

Post by **stevey** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:15 am

check the engine steady bar as well on the move mine rattled so bad on acceleration, turned was both slack steady bar and mis balanced prop. very easy to replace 4 bolts then pull.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:08 am

Make sure it's not a wheel about to drop off - take the hub caps off and check all the nuts urgently.

Post by **stevey** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:21 am

Make sure it's not a wheel about to drop off - take the hub caps off and check all the nuts urgently

yeh forgot about that sometimes the simplest explaination is the right one. should here a clunk AT REGUAL INTERVALS AND WILL SPEED UP WHEN YOU GO QUICKER.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:11 pm

Otherwise - could be suspension badly worn - engine bearings rattling - engine pinking (but not really a rattle as such) and of course problems with the propshaft u/js - or just the bolts come loose!

Post by **poppet** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 8:53 pm

Thanks for the responses!
Wheels have been checked so I think I'm ok there. Does not make the noise when idle. For the last few days she has got worse and today for no apparent reason the noise has stopped? When I drive at over 40 she feels 'heavy' if that makes any sense to anyone and sounds 'deeper'- don't know of any other way to describe it.
Liz

Post by **FlyingScot** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:26 pm

Have a look and see if you still have an exhaust attached.
I once replaced the clutch in a girlfriends spitfire and two days later there was a horrible sound from under the car. I assumed that I'd done something wrong and went straight to the gearbox. On coming out from under I said "It's nothing obvious". "What about that then" came the reply as she pointed to the exhaust sitting on the road.
Steve

Post by **poppet** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 7:44 am

Poor you!!
I think it might have to be a visit to the garage doctor this next week.Too much uncertainty to carry on for much longer especially since I use Poppy every day for work.
It certainly has us baffled

Post by **stevey** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 11:36 am

doesnt sound like a propshaft, sounds more like a box trouble, but see the expert and tell them about it.

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 12:31 pm

I assume you have checked that nothing has come loose under the bonnet, air filter, battery clamp that sort of thing.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 3:43 pm

Is (was) there any oil in the engine ? Noises that STOP are indeed a worry.

Post by **poppet** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:00 pm

All seems 'normal' under her bonnet.Rattle never occured while standing idle - gradually got worse over time and sounded as if it was coming from front/centre of the undercarriage of the car(got quite loud!) - and now has not been heard at all for the last 18 hours but has been replaced by a deep droning sound when nearly touching 40 and she 'feels' heavy(I know that bit sounds stupid but it's the only way I know to describe it)

. I'll let you know how I get on at the garage.
Thanks for the replies!
Liz

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:05 pm

You mean the steering is heavy ? Urgent check of all front suspension required methinks !

Post by **poppet** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:23 am

I thought you might like to know the outcome of Poppys visit to the garage

Both prop shaft joints needed replacing. One had crumbled totally and the other had siezed!
She drives beautifully now

Thanks for the helps
Liz

Post by **RogerRust** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:41 am

I'm glad you got it fixed and not too big a job either.
Hope all is well now and you can enjoy driving again.

Post by **JimK** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:55 am

Sounds like somebody in the past had neglected the greasegun.

That's part of my monthly routine, greasing all the nipples (<howerd>Oh, stop it! Titter ye not!</howerd>).