15 replies to this topic

[Russ528]

I don't think it's anything terminal, it's jst really annoying now.

When I accelerate, or change gear, there's a clicking noise when I accelerate - just a single, fairly loud *click*. Doesn't do it when dipping the clutch or changing down gears, only when accelerting and changing up.

I've had a nosey under the bonnet and tried wobbling the engine, as teh first thought was the support bar/brace thing from the cylinder head to the car bulkhead, but that seems ok - albeit rather rusty.

I can't really tell if the sound is coming from inside the car or from inside the engine bay.. Doesn't do it if the car is stationary either, so hard to investigate properly.

It definitely sounds like it's coming form the drivers side of the car though.

Has anyone got any suggestions at all? I appreciate diagnosing noises over the internet isn't exactly ideal!

THanks

[Big_Adam]

Clicking , hmmm.

Check the floor by your feet. Might have split. I got a clicking sound when that happened.

[lrostoke]

My clicking was a split both sides up the inner wing, right near the shock mountings.

[Russ528]

Just had a check around the areas mentioned above, no signs of any cracks - thankfully.

[dklawson]

Listen for the clicking when rounding a turn and accelerating in a turn. If it's louder or more pronounced in a turn, look at the CV joints.

[Russ528]

WIll check that again, but haven't noticed any pronounced click/clonk when turning - seems to be just in a straight line, and it's a light sounding click...if you know what I mean!

[alexcrosse]

the bulkhead will be broken under your feet, you may not be able to see it because theres an extra sheet of thin steal over where it cracks. Put your foot on it without carpets when ur driving along n feel it. Itll soon get bigger (mine did). front subframe mounting point on the bulkhead, may have to take out both bolts, drill the steel sheet off, cut, weld, weld, bolt, sorted

if it aint that it could be a bolt broken on the top steady mount but prob wont sound like that.

[Russ528]

Don't suppose you could elaborate, or show me on a pic where this problem might be.

I've looked everywhere and can't see any signs of cracking. Nor can I simulate the noise whilst the car is stationary or not running.

I've tugged and yanked on all the pedals to see if I can get it to make the noise, but there's nothing.

I've also driven about with my hand on the pedal stem and /or bracket to see if I can feel where the nonise is coming from, but I can't feel anything in the floor area, only on the pedal itself.

Definitely only does it when driving. Definitely clicks once or twice when accelerating, also clicks if you so much as move the accelerator pedal even slightly - and I've also tried accelerating really, really gently so to see if that makes a difference (thinking less stress on stuff) , but it doesn't - still clicks. Still clicks slightly even if you keep the pedal in the same position and only move it slightly.

Seems to only do it on the first inch or so of pedal travel. if I stamp on the loud pedal when going through the gears (as you would when ragging the @ss off it!) then the clicking is less pronounced and sometimes doesn't click at all.

All very strange.

I don't fell overly happy taking the car to a garage and trying to explain how to weld a crack I can't see, and don't much fancy asking someone to go drilling plates off etc incase there is nothing wrong underneath.

Edited by Russ528, 15 April 2008 - 09:48 AM.

[Russ528]

Also discovered that it doesn't do it in reverse either.

Had another fiddle with it last night, and you can feel the clicking where the accelerator pedal bolts to the metalwork.

Any chance this could be what's needed to fix it?

http://www.minispare....aspx?pid=34732

Edited by Russ528, 16 April 2008 - 07:13 AM.

[Russ528]

hmmm...also read elsewhere that it could be worn front subframe mounts or loose bolts for them.

ugh....

Edited by Russ528, 16 April 2008 - 08:09 AM.

[Russ528]

Ok, had a look under the car tonight and it seems that where the front subframe bolts to the bulkhead, the metal has cracked/tearing.

Doesn't look totally shot just yet.

How do I fix it and how much does it cost? Is it a major job? I can't weld for toffee, so it'd be nice to get an idea of what's involved so I'll know if I'm getting fleeced or not.

Back to driving the 528 to and from work again.!

[Russ528]

Pics of the problem.

If anyone can give any advice on the likely cost/work involved that'd be great.

http://www.randcjone...s/mini welding/

[mini_turbo_pete]

Pics of the problem.

If anyone can give any advice on the likely cost/work involved that'd be great.

http://www.randcjone...s/mini welding/

If you feel like a little drive to Orsett in Essex, i'll weld it up for you on Sunday.

[Russ528]

Hey, that'd be fantastic Pete!!

[Russ528]

FIXED!!!

See this write up of the day