9 replies to this topic

[Pickwah]

Rover Mini 35 - 1994 -1275

Just lately ive noticed that once the engine is warm and i come to a stop, cars sat in neutral i get a fairly loud rattling or knocking sound coming from the front of the car. Every time the clutch is pressed the noise disappears which gives the impression its the gearbox.
From what ive read on other forums it is probably the idler gear, but ide like to hear anyone elses suggestions first?

Hope someone could shed some light onto this for me

Cheers, Matt

[tiger99]

It seems that it is almost certainly the idler gear, or more likely its bearings and thrust washers. You should have it checked as soon as possible, before it chews your gearbox and transfer casings. No need for engine out for a check, just clutch cover, flywheel and transfer case.

The other suspect, in view of other recent discussions here, is a loose flywheel, but I think you would know by now, as the key would shear fairly soon, and you would lose drive.

[Pickwah]

It seems that it is almost certainly the idler gear, or more likely its bearings and thrust washers. You should have it checked as soon as possible, before it chews your gearbox and transfer casings. No need for engine out for a check, just clutch cover, flywheel and transfer case.

The other suspect, in view of other recent discussions here, is a loose flywheel, but I think you would know by now, as the key would shear fairly soon, and you would lose drive.

Glad i asked, sounds quite serious! Its my daily drive so would you recommend me to take it off the road 'till its sorted?

[tiger99]

Don't know. It may be ok for a few weeks, or not. When they go, they suddenly get very much worse, and then it gets expensive. It would be less risky if you could take it off the road till fixed.

[thebullet]

EXACTLY the same problem as me, probably drop gears for me too. Mine has been doing it since gearbox has been restored 8000 miles ago. Someone else had their gearbox refurbed and it still carrys on.

[Pickwah]

Ill take it to my neighbor tomorrow, he knows gearbox's inside out as he used to race minis in his younger days and being the nice guy that he is wont, charge me! Might be worth investing in some straight cuts at the same time!

[thebullet]

My grandad raced them in the 70s and he told me when he listened there was nothing wrong and it sounded like a sowing machine. Mine can only be heard on the inside and yet mine has no sound proofing and a solid top mount so I probably can hear the chatter that they do anyway more than others.

[bcjames]

I had the same rattle. I have had the whole gearbox rebuilt, the primary and idle gear reshimmed, and it still rattles. It's now looking like either the crank or an issue with the drop gear teeth. As far as I'm concerned it's not meant to rattle, never has before, so the engine has to come out again. I don't want a part failing and taking the rest with it.

[Bash Master]

Clutch release bearing could be worn?

[Pickwah]

Sorted it! Turned out that when I gave it a good old service, I'de just tightened the tappits up a little too much causing the tickover to drop! I got the info from an old mini mechanic thats lives down the road from me