Rumbling noise under light or neutral throttle

[rocketnige]

Hello,

I've just bought my first Caterham 7 - a right hand drive roadsport, 1.8L K-series, DeDion suspension, 7000 miles on the clock since factory build. Everything seems fine apart from a noise that seems to come from behind my left ear, perhaps from the area of the rear diff.

It's a rumbling sound, which is only audible on a light-to-neutral throttle. Also, I hear a single "knock" when pulling away, from the same area. There's no obvious effect on handling, and the noise characteristics doesn't seem to match the decription in the owners manual which relates to replacement of components in the DeDion tube (although that's just my opinion).

Any ideas? (I've searched for previous posts relating to this type of thing but found no obvious match - apologies if this is covered elsewhere).

Thanks

Nigel

[MikeE]

If you've got a limited slip differential then it's 99% certain that it's a case of TADTS (They All Do That Sir)

The diff on both my superlights have been really noisy even from new so I wouldn't worry about it.

If you are concerned then get along to your local Caterham area meeting and get an experience owner to have a listen to it.

cheers

[doug phillips]

Sounds like a TADTS (sorry for the pun ) have a look here www.lotus7club.co.uk/7meet.htm , for your local aera meet. You will find lots of people who will help .

Doug.

[rocketnige]

Doug, Mike,

Many thanks for your quick responses. This makes me feel much better! I'll head over to our local meeting and borrow an experienced ear as you suggest, but you've set my mind to rest. Much appreciated.

Cheers

Nigel

[bertie]

The diff is bolted very stiffly almost directly to the chassis and so yes, they all do that!

[jackal]

diff


dont ever listen to the noises your caterham makes... i made that mistake when i had my first one and paranoia can easily set in. Just drive till it blows up [+]