Rattle Rattle in neutral, 1st and 3rd

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 4:39 pm

If could be useful if you say where the noise is coming from and how loud it is and what sort of speed was involved.

Post by **Gareth** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 4:58 pm

Our Metro has a rattle at about 40mph in 3rd, but that's only the exhaust system making its age known...

Could this be the brass plunger and spring arrangement inside the selector mechanism? That wouldn't really explain the absence of noise in the other gears, but maybe the engine revs through the gears would help?

Perhaps 1st is used up until about 10, and 3rd comes from 20/25 right up to 40/45... That would leave 2nd and 4th with little work to do, if you see...

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 5:44 pm

The easiest option to eliminate would be to check the condition of the rubber ring on the bottom end of the gearstick.
Put the car in neutral. Remove the rubber gaiter from the stick and (pushing the carpet aside if necessary) you will see a flat plate around the base of the stick. undo the 3 bolts and lift the plate off. The stick should pull out revealing a greasy golfball size lump that was previously covered up, then a tapering shaft about 3" long. There should be a rubber o-ring partway down this. replacements can be sourced from most Mog suppliers but you might find something just as good at your local hardware shop.

Post by **Willie** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 7:14 pm

You should exercise caution when removing the gear lever.
Before you remove the top plate (three bolts) you should
unscrew the ANTI RATTLE PLUNGER which is the large brass
bolt in the side of the gear lever turret. this is a spring loaded
damper which could fall into the selector mechanism when you
lift out the gear lever. This could cause much damage if not
noticed.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:09 pm

if you dont take care youll get a bigger rattle

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:11 pm

lay shaft needle rollers in gearbox, try topping gbox up with oil

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:14 pm

check to see if return sping for clutch has not become disconected. may be clutch thrust bearings rubbing together

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Fri Dec 19, 2003 5:52 pm

does the noise stop when you push the clutch?

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Dec 19, 2003 11:39 pm

Harmon posted this with his question Brixton

Added to which if I depress the clutch in neutral the rattle remains.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 9:01 pm

still think its needle rollers. in netural with clutch depressed its still possible for lay shaft to spin due to drag in the clutch

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 9:08 pm

4rth gear drive does not go through lay shaft.
no noise from 2nd though. may be not due to loading or rev speed.