Funny noise on a 92 MX5

[ywouldi]

At about 2100 RPM I get a sort of rattle/metalic noise, this carries on until about 3000 RPM. This only happens when the clutch is engaged, i.e. when I'm driving along in gear. I guess it must be something to do with the Gearbox/Clutch then.

Anyone have any ideas as to what it might be?

Ben

[MrFlibbles]

Loose clutch springs?

[thegreatsoprendo]

ywouldi said:

At about 2100 RPM I get a sort of rattle/metalic noise, this carries on until about 3000 RPM. This only happens when the clutch is engaged, i.e. when I'm driving along in gear. I guess it must be something to do with the Gearbox/Clutch then.

Anyone have any ideas as to what it might be?

Ben

Could be a loose exhaust heat shield?

[benjc]

I would say cat heat sheild or play in the driveshaft. Later cars had extra damping on the the driveshaft and diff to eradicate the noise. You may have to upgrade to a Torsen diff to completeley get rid.

Is it louder on deceleration and under load in a high gear?

[cpas]

Your sterio's not set loud enough!!!

[RoryH]

I'd say it's just a rusty heat shield. I brough mine in with the same problem and guy just took it off, never to be replaced.

[ywouldi]

The heat shield is pretty clean and tight, I can't shake it with my hand. After playing in traffic this morning I noticed that the clutch actually makes no difference to the noise, and it seems pretty steady whether I am accelerating or not.

Ben

[benjc]

ywouldi said:

The heat shield is pretty clean and tight, I can't shake it with my hand. After playing in traffic this morning I noticed that the clutch actually makes no difference to the noise, and it seems pretty steady whether I am accelerating or not.

Ben

There are several heat sheilds the length of the exhaust system, not just the manifold cover....you need to get your hands grubby and get under the car I'm afraid!

[mxdi]

I have this type of noise also, is it like a rasping tinny noise?
comes on at a certain rpm, at 2 different places on the rpm, found out what it was once- i can dig it out if you asnwer yes to above question?

[ywouldi]

mxdi said:

I have this type of noise also, is it like a rasping tinny noise?
comes on at a certain rpm, at 2 different places on the rpm, found out what it was once- i can dig it out if you asnwer yes to above question?

Yeah, that sounds like it, starts at about 2100rpm, then quietens down (but still there) and starts up again at about 3000. Would be great if you could let me know what it was for you?

Ben

[mxdi]

yup sounds identical, done alittle digging, I recall when i first got the car I asked what this was on MX5 forum and got an answer- but cant find the thread- think it may have been archived by now as the format has changed over there.
IIRC it wasnt anything serious and a few people had had the same noise.

[mxdi]

similar sort of thing...
www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=26012&highlight=rasping