TVR S3 New Owner
Discussion
I have just recently purchase a TVR S3, and I am over the moon with it, however it has a couple of faults (which I did expect when buying a car this age and especially a TVR) that I would like to get sorted.
The first fault is that sometimes it is very hard to get into reverse and just makes a horrible grinding noise?
The second fault is that the brakes do not seem to work very well and the rear brakes lock up very easily?
Any information would be very much appreciated!
The first fault is that sometimes it is very hard to get into reverse and just makes a horrible grinding noise?
The second fault is that the brakes do not seem to work very well and the rear brakes lock up very easily?
Any information would be very much appreciated!
500JAWA said:
I have just recently purchase a TVR S3, and I am over the moon with it, however it has a couple of faults (which I did expect when buying a car this age and especially a TVR) that I would like to get sorted.
The first fault is that sometimes it is very hard to get into reverse and just makes a horrible grinding noise?
The second fault is that the brakes do not seem to work very well and the rear brakes lock up very easily?
Any information would be very much appreciated!
For reverse gear this is quite common, check that the clutch fluid level is correct, then check for leaks at master and slave cylinder. Also check there is the correct amount of adjustment at the clutch fork and that the fork operates fully with the clucth pedal being depressed.The first fault is that sometimes it is very hard to get into reverse and just makes a horrible grinding noise?
The second fault is that the brakes do not seem to work very well and the rear brakes lock up very easily?
Any information would be very much appreciated!
For the second issue with the brakes this should not occur, how much has the car been used by the previous owner, if not much then rust can build up on the discs and then get ground into the pads resulting in inefficient braking due to reduced friction. I'd strip the brake system and inspect it fully both front and rear. While you have the brakes apart take a clean file and take off the very top layer of the brake pads as this will remove any ingrained rust whilst simultaneously cleaning the discs with brake cleaner. Reassemble and then try again, bedding the pads as if new. Obviously if you find oil contamination or similar anywhere then change the pads, also if they are over 50% worn then the file trick is not really worth it just buy new.
If you look at the useful links at the top of this page you'll find links to many onwers sites which all include a wealth of info, also use the FAQ under the "this forum" tab
HTH
Mark
The "reverse gear" issue might be dead simple - aside from the various clutch issues that Mark describes, check that the lever is going fully into position - when it goes left and forward, it is (on mine at least) right against the edge of the hole in the console. If the gear knob is too far down the stalk, or if the leather gaiter, or the rubber gaiter underneasth, gets folded between the lever and the edge of the console, it won't go into reverse gear - almost, but nor quite.
My brakes always feel rubbish when I "test" them in the conventional "stamp on the pedal" way (as I did after changing the master cylinder and servo recently) - they have a tendency to grab and you get one wheel locking.
But in everyday use, they work perfectly and have loads of feel compared with an over-servoed set up - maybe it's just a case of getting used to them?
Although I don't mean to be blase - if you think you have a braking issue, you should really check it out as Mark suggests - or maybe get another local member to visit and compare?
My brakes always feel rubbish when I "test" them in the conventional "stamp on the pedal" way (as I did after changing the master cylinder and servo recently) - they have a tendency to grab and you get one wheel locking.
But in everyday use, they work perfectly and have loads of feel compared with an over-servoed set up - maybe it's just a case of getting used to them?
Although I don't mean to be blase - if you think you have a braking issue, you should really check it out as Mark suggests - or maybe get another local member to visit and compare?
Thank you all!
I have only had the car for a couple of weeks and have just been enjoying it while we have had a bit of sun shine, but think it is now time to get it in the workshop and give it a good looking over now i know what faults it has. It is the first TVR i have ever had and i have to say that I am hooked! Far better than the 944 turbo I had and the noise it makes is something else!
I have only had the car for a couple of weeks and have just been enjoying it while we have had a bit of sun shine, but think it is now time to get it in the workshop and give it a good looking over now i know what faults it has. It is the first TVR i have ever had and i have to say that I am hooked! Far better than the 944 turbo I had and the noise it makes is something else!
I think your clutch issue is well covered, personally I had issues getting into gear (especially reverse) when my slave was leaking and there wasn't enough fluid left. New clutch, slave and pipe fixed that.
Your brakes i would be more worried about. My car locks the fronts before the backs which is what it should do, having the rear lock first will cause you to spin if your not careful or you brake hard in a corner (not advisable anyway!). The brake balance thingy mounted on the bulkhead under the bonnet just above where the peddles are should block the brake fluid getting to the rear brakes when you brake hard to stop them locking. If that wasn't working you could get the rears locking but you should have to really hammer on the brakes. It sounds more likely that you have a problem with your front brakes. I would strip them as Mark suggested. I had a split in my servo vacuum hose a year or 2 ago and that was scary, the car just wouldn't stop!
They don't have amazing brakes but the S is a light car and you should be able to stop the thing fairly quickly and definitely be locking the fronts first!
Good luck sorting it!
Your brakes i would be more worried about. My car locks the fronts before the backs which is what it should do, having the rear lock first will cause you to spin if your not careful or you brake hard in a corner (not advisable anyway!). The brake balance thingy mounted on the bulkhead under the bonnet just above where the peddles are should block the brake fluid getting to the rear brakes when you brake hard to stop them locking. If that wasn't working you could get the rears locking but you should have to really hammer on the brakes. It sounds more likely that you have a problem with your front brakes. I would strip them as Mark suggested. I had a split in my servo vacuum hose a year or 2 ago and that was scary, the car just wouldn't stop!
They don't have amazing brakes but the S is a light car and you should be able to stop the thing fairly quickly and definitely be locking the fronts first!
Good luck sorting it!
If none of the abow solves your problemÖ
Had a similar problem on my old xr4x4 (with typ9 gearbox), it was a small plastic bus at the bottom of the gearstick that was worn down. Easy to replace just take the gearstick up and replace it.
Hope you get it sorted and can enjoy your fantastic S!
Had a similar problem on my old xr4x4 (with typ9 gearbox), it was a small plastic bus at the bottom of the gearstick that was worn down. Easy to replace just take the gearstick up and replace it.
Hope you get it sorted and can enjoy your fantastic S!
Maffe said:
I it was a small plastic bus at the bottom of the gearstick that was worn down.
this little chap
You've been watching too much Top Gear .
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