Slightly Worrying Noise

[Noodles 4.2]

Hello all,

I have just got back from a 2k mile European trip in the Cerb (was going to be longer but had to come back). We set off 3.30am on the Sunday after Duxford. The car performed really well and I enjoyed the drive immensely. We stayed in the Alps and the looks the car got in the villages was funny. "C'est une belle voiture, monsieur!"

After the drive home and tucking it away safely in the garage for 24hrs I washed it, checked over and took it for a spin. I noticed that slow speeds it sometimes made a sort groaning/vibrating noise from left hand front wing/wheel when turning left. It didn't make the noise everytime I turned left - but only at certain speeds and tightness of turns. I have not taken it out since yesterday (upon discovering the noise). Everything looks ok. Can anyone suggest a course of further investigation please?

Is it likely to be a wheel bearing?

Tony

[james]

That sounds like a slightly worrying noise.

Are you planning on fixing it yourself? If you are then you probably already know that the way to check for a worn wheel bearing is to jack the car up and give the wheel a good old shake to see if it wobbles.

If you aren't planning on fixing it yourself, does it really matter what it is? Just take it to the dealer (I assume you use somebody that you can trust) and get them to diagnose it and fix it. Then just pay the bill


James

[Noodles 4.2]

Hello,

I didn't really have any intention of fixing it myself. It would be good to be able to know what it was before I took it in however. I thought that maybe someone else had a similar experience.

I have it booked in next month at Joospeed for some things - but will take it back to TMS and get this sorted on the warranty beforehand.

Tony

[jeremyc]

Could also be the exhaust touching on the chassis as the engine moves (I had a similar thing).

It is difficult to tell where the noise comes from as it tends to travel down the chassis.

[mycerbera]

quote:
Could also be the exhaust touching on the chassis as the engine moves (I had a similar thing).

It is difficult to tell where the noise comes from as it tends to travel down the chassis.

Yep, sounds the same as what I had!

[jurdy]

I had the same, but when turning hard left in my 4.5. According to TVR the early 4.2's sometimes suffered from this when turning right.Sort of sounded like ABS does when you put your foot down hard but without any feeling through the steering. I had mine checked yesterday and the engine mounting was found to be a little out. Once reset, I tried the same manouver round a couple of bends and hey presto no noise.

On a different note all the work was carried out by Andy at APM Automotive. He is a really nice guy and knows his stuff. If any one wants to know more about him please e mail me.

[gazzab]

I too am in the Andy at APM fan club.
Excellent quality, service, price etc... for both rover V8 and tvr engines.

[jurdy]

Good on you gazzab, want to try to at least generate enough business so he doesn't have to lend me his green mondeo next time.

[noodles 4.2]

Thanks for the input Jurdy.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. It is booked in with TMS for the once over - will let you know what they reckon.

Tony

[jeremyc]

Funnily enough I discovered the problem whilst in Europe and 'making progress' anticlockwise around roundabouts (no problem turning right).

Quickly fixed by my dealer realigning the exhaust.

[noodles 4.2]

Typical - as soon as I book it in to get looked at the noise stops.

I have a history of taking my car in to get fixed when there is nothing wrong with it!

I don't know whether to be pleased or more concerned.

[noodles 4.2]

So a few months later and the problem has only just been rectified - after fitting new steering and realigning the exhaust the problem was at last found. I think some of these larger dealers don't take me seriously when I tell them the car is making a wierd noise.

I have taken it in 4 times since posting the original message - nearly 1000 miles in round trips!

The problem has been diagnosed and is getting sorted (not under warranty).

A rear axle mounting has broken causing the diff mounting plate to partially come off. The axle moves forward under braking causing the drive shaft to move as well - thus it sounds like the problem is at the front of the car.

I am pleased to have a solution at last - and it is a quick job apparently - 4-5hours - if somewhat expensive.

Tony