Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi
I've had a 'rattling' problem with Poppy for some time now which has got progressively worse unfortunately. Someone told me that if you can hear noises then all is attached - when the noise stops it means you have a problem because something has dropped off!! So far nothing has dropped off.
She does not make the noise when sitting at idle, only when in motion. The steering is fine although I know she needs another steering rack however this is not the same 'rattle'.
It has been suggested it might be her prop shaft -
If this her problem do I have a big/expensive job on my hands?

Does anyone have any other suggestions which I might check out?

Thank you
Liz

Can you hear the noise depending on the amount of revs of the engine, or the actual speed of the car, ie if you go through the gears, does the noise go up and down?

check the engine steady bar as well on the move mine rattled so bad on acceleration, turned was both slack steady bar and mis balanced prop. very easy to replace 4 bolts then pull.

Make sure it's not a wheel about to drop off - take the hub caps off and check all the nuts urgently.

Make sure it's not a wheel about to drop off - take the hub caps off and check all the nuts urgently

yeh forgot about that sometimes the simplest explaination is the right one. should here a clunk AT REGUAL INTERVALS AND WILL SPEED UP WHEN YOU GO QUICKER.

Otherwise - could be suspension badly worn - engine bearings rattling - engine pinking (but not really a rattle as such) and of course problems with the propshaft u/js - or just the bolts come loose!

Thanks for the responses!
Wheels have been checked so I think I'm ok there. Does not make the noise when idle. For the last few days she has got worse and today for no apparent reason the noise has stopped? When I drive at over 40 she feels 'heavy' if that makes any sense to anyone and sounds 'deeper'- don't know of any other way to describe it.
Liz

Have a look and see if you still have an exhaust attached.
I once replaced the clutch in a girlfriends spitfire and two days later there was a horrible sound from under the car. I assumed that I'd done something wrong and went straight to the gearbox. On coming out from under I said "It's nothing obvious". "What about that then" came the reply as she pointed to the exhaust sitting on the road.
Steve

Poor you!!
I think it might have to be a visit to the garage doctor this next week.Too much uncertainty to carry on for much longer especially since I use Poppy every day for work.
It certainly has us baffled

doesnt sound like a propshaft, sounds more like a box trouble, but see the expert and tell them about it.

I assume you have checked that nothing has come loose under the bonnet, air filter, battery clamp that sort of thing.

Is (was) there any oil in the engine ? Noises that STOP are indeed a worry.

All seems 'normal' under her bonnet.Rattle never occured while standing idle - gradually got worse over time and sounded as if it was coming from front/centre of the undercarriage of the car(got quite loud!) - and now has not been heard at all for the last 18 hours but has been replaced by a deep droning sound when nearly touching 40 and she 'feels' heavy(I know that bit sounds stupid but it's the only way I know to describe it) . I'll let you know how I get on at the garage.
Thanks for the replies!
Liz

You mean the steering is heavy ? Urgent check of all front suspension required methinks !

I thought you might like to know the outcome of Poppys visit to the garage
Both prop shaft joints needed replacing. One had crumbled totally and the other had siezed!
She drives beautifully now
Thanks for the helps
Liz

I'm glad you got it fixed and not too big a job either.
Hope all is well now and you can enjoy driving again.

Sounds like somebody in the past had neglected the greasegun.

That's part of my monthly routine, greasing all the nipples (<howerd>Oh, stop it! Titter ye not!</howerd>).