JFReturn's VX220 2.2 NA
Discussion
Andy_sx said:
Ah good man!
Car looks superb cleaned up mate, I have a slightly grubby car if you fancy a real challenge
Thanks Car looks superb cleaned up mate, I have a slightly grubby car if you fancy a real challenge
I would actually enjoy doing your car too, I'm a bit sad in that I enjoy cleaning cars and the VX is easy as it's so small!Now I knew that being a low volume produced sports car the VX wouldn't be the last word in refinement, but the various noises were driving me mad. To that end, since my last update I started Operation Anti-Squeak (OA-S).
OA-S started very well indeed; the huge squeak in my right (and passengers left) ear was cured by a squirt of WD-40 in the sockets where the roof slots in. However, these very loud squeaks were simply masking a myriad of quieter, but equally annoying noises! One in particular I need to sort, but not sure how to go about it.
I would describe it as a 'light clonk', coming from somewhere in the engine bay / nearside rear suspension. I've ruled out horrible engine problems, because it clonks when the engine is off and the car is bounced. I don't think it is dampers or suspension as it clonks with the lightest of movements. It sounds like a cable or plug has come loose and is banging.
Any ideas anyone? When I get time I was thinking of taking the wheel and plastic liner out to have a closer look....
Our ownership "journey" is really quite similar. I'm also on OA-S.
I have a knocking from the engine bay which my mechanic (Scottish Lotus Specialists) identified as the airbox mounts being broken. There are three of them and apparently they break easily. Could be that?
I've also got a loose under tray at the moment driving me mad. Only needs to be tightened but two of the allen bolts are rounded and I've not had a chance to get it sorted. Going to put in some neoprene foam just to be sure it wont rattle!
I have a knocking from the engine bay which my mechanic (Scottish Lotus Specialists) identified as the airbox mounts being broken. There are three of them and apparently they break easily. Could be that?
I've also got a loose under tray at the moment driving me mad. Only needs to be tightened but two of the allen bolts are rounded and I've not had a chance to get it sorted. Going to put in some neoprene foam just to be sure it wont rattle!
Cheers for the suggestion, I will take a look. I checked my undertray and saw at least one bolt missing but it is tight enough not be the cause. When I find where to buy replacements I'll let you know.
One more irritation - I went to check tyre pressures and the nice, shiny VXR dust caps are locked solid. A trip to the local tyre fitters beckons
One more irritation - I went to check tyre pressures and the nice, shiny VXR dust caps are locked solid. A trip to the local tyre fitters beckons
JFReturns said:
I would describe it as a 'light clonk', coming from somewhere in the engine bay / nearside rear suspension. I've ruled out horrible engine problems, because it clonks when the engine is off and the car is bounced. I don't think it is dampers or suspension as it clonks with the lightest of movements. It sounds like a cable or plug has come loose and is banging.
Any ideas anyone? When I get time I was thinking of taking the wheel and plastic liner out to have a closer look....
Maybe a bit heavy duty but engine mount perhaps? I know they can clonk a bit when worn, but not sure if they would move just with bouncing the car.Any ideas anyone? When I get time I was thinking of taking the wheel and plastic liner out to have a closer look....
Have you checked the tightness of all bolts around the suspension? Something could have simply just worked itself loose.
Otherwise, dampers - I've just had a load of issues with mine and issues with the rebound on them, resulting in them not working as they should and produced a noticeable clunk over large undulations in the road.
ahhh, OA-S, i would need a year to sort all of mine out... windows rattle, got the doors to stop ratteling, undertray and diffuser rattle (mine have a habbit of loosing bolts (screwfix do a selection box that have the smaller bolts in) but im looking for a few of the larger ones with the allen head as im missing one of those.
Re the knock on the rear, it could be a multitude of things back there, most of my noises are the undertrays, but as you can do it with the engine off, i wouldnt say there is enough force for that to be the case. Do you have the stock airbox? Will have a look under mine see if i find anything obvious it could be (will be on the ramps tonight anyways) but would check the toe links first, then around from that
As for cleaning the car, im the same, love it as its so small, but i get bored easily! had all the kit out on sunday, took the seats out etc to do the interior properly (im a dirty smoker.... the ash gets everywhere, more so with the roof on!) only managed aquick once over on the outside before the rugby came on and I started at 9 am!
Re the knock on the rear, it could be a multitude of things back there, most of my noises are the undertrays, but as you can do it with the engine off, i wouldnt say there is enough force for that to be the case. Do you have the stock airbox? Will have a look under mine see if i find anything obvious it could be (will be on the ramps tonight anyways) but would check the toe links first, then around from that
As for cleaning the car, im the same, love it as its so small, but i get bored easily! had all the kit out on sunday, took the seats out etc to do the interior properly (im a dirty smoker.... the ash gets everywhere, more so with the roof on!) only managed aquick once over on the outside before the rugby came on and I started at 9 am!
Andy_sx said:
ahhh, OA-S, i would need a year to sort all of mine out... windows rattle, got the doors to stop ratteling, undertray and diffuser rattle (mine have a habbit of loosing bolts (screwfix do a selection box that have the smaller bolts in) but im looking for a few of the larger ones with the allen head as im missing one of those.
Re the knock on the rear, it could be a multitude of things back there, most of my noises are the undertrays, but as you can do it with the engine off, i wouldnt say there is enough force for that to be the case. Do you have the stock airbox? Will have a look under mine see if i find anything obvious it could be (will be on the ramps tonight anyways) but would check the toe links first, then around from that
As for cleaning the car, im the same, love it as its so small, but i get bored easily! had all the kit out on sunday, took the seats out etc to do the interior properly (im a dirty smoker.... the ash gets everywhere, more so with the roof on!) only managed aquick once over on the outside before the rugby came on and I started at 9 am!
LOL @ the rugby interrupting Re the knock on the rear, it could be a multitude of things back there, most of my noises are the undertrays, but as you can do it with the engine off, i wouldnt say there is enough force for that to be the case. Do you have the stock airbox? Will have a look under mine see if i find anything obvious it could be (will be on the ramps tonight anyways) but would check the toe links first, then around from that
As for cleaning the car, im the same, love it as its so small, but i get bored easily! had all the kit out on sunday, took the seats out etc to do the interior properly (im a dirty smoker.... the ash gets everywhere, more so with the roof on!) only managed aquick once over on the outside before the rugby came on and I started at 9 am!
Thanks for the suggestions, I do have the stock air box and as mentioned above it could be that so I will check.tommobot said:
Maybe a bit heavy duty but engine mount perhaps? I know they can clonk a bit when worn, but not sure if they would move just with bouncing the car.
Have you checked the tightness of all bolts around the suspension? Something could have simply just worked itself loose.
Otherwise, dampers - I've just had a load of issues with mine and issues with the rebound on them, resulting in them not working as they should and produced a noticeable clunk over large undulations in the road.
I think the engine mounts were replaced by the previous owner, but Ill take a look along with the suspension as you suggest. Thanks.Have you checked the tightness of all bolts around the suspension? Something could have simply just worked itself loose.
Otherwise, dampers - I've just had a load of issues with mine and issues with the rebound on them, resulting in them not working as they should and produced a noticeable clunk over large undulations in the road.
On a much less positive note, I found out yesterday my fiancée has been made redundant again (naff time to be an architect) so there is a very real chance I'm going to have to sell the VX, simply because it is a luxury rather than a necessity. Not happy
some things are even more important thn cars, and beers with the rugby is one of them!
Ah crap mate, thats not good to hear at all if you need a hand with tinkering to get her ship shape (for sale or not) give me a shout. Unfortunately I dont know anyone in the architecht industry to be able to ask around for you.
Ah crap mate, thats not good to hear at all
if you need a hand with tinkering to get her ship shape (for sale or not) give me a shout. Unfortunately I dont know anyone in the architecht industry to be able to ask around for you.
Sorry to hear you may be selling. At least it's the kind of car you shouldn't loss much/any money on especially as spring arrives.
Regarding your knock, I was able to recreate the knock on mine by pushing down on the airbox about an inch. It didn't offer much resistance. Had the 2.69 mount replaced today and noise is all gone.
What do you think of the speakers in the passenger footwell? Good mod?
Regarding your knock, I was able to recreate the knock on mine by pushing down on the airbox about an inch. It didn't offer much resistance. Had the 2.69 mount replaced today and noise is all gone.
What do you think of the speakers in the passenger footwell? Good mod?
TVR MAN said:
Sorry to hear you may be selling. At least it's the kind of car you shouldn't loss much/any money on especially as spring arrives.
Regarding your knock, I was able to recreate the knock on mine by pushing down on the airbox about an inch. It didn't offer much resistance. Had the 2.69 mount replaced today and noise is all gone.
What do you think of the speakers in the passenger footwell? Good mod?
Good to know that OA-S is going well for you Regarding your knock, I was able to recreate the knock on mine by pushing down on the airbox about an inch. It didn't offer much resistance. Had the 2.69 mount replaced today and noise is all gone.
What do you think of the speakers in the passenger footwell? Good mod?
Hopefully I'll get some time on the car tomorrow to investigate further.Regarding the 6x9s in the footwell - no, it is not a good mod IMO but could be for you. It depends how much music you listen to in the VX. I rarely do as I enjoy the exhaust too much and constantly fret about passengers damaging the cones. On the other hand the sound quality is surprisingly good!
Edited by JFReturns on Saturday 17th March 08:23
Hi, my name is Rob and I know nothing about fixing cars. There, I've said it. Hopefully you all won't mock me for what I have figured out the hard way today 
So, first I learned:
- How to use a trolley jack
- A trolley jack does not fit under a lowered VX
To get the jack under the VX, I reversed onto progressively higher blocks of wood which enabled me to get the jack and a piece of load spreading wood on the correct jacking point:
I couldn't find anything in the manual about jacking points but VX220.org.uk came to my rescue. There is a sticker that marks the correct point:
At this point I'm quite pleased with myself (the feeling doesn't last), I've got the car jacked up and an axle stand is put into place in case the jack fails:
And it is at this point I learned two things:
- Take the locking nut key out before jacking the car
- Make sure you have A F*****G SOCKET THAT FITS THE WHEEL NUTS!!!
- (Next time I'll loosen the nuts before jacking too)
There you have it, I'm a mechanical idiot. OA-S to be put on hold until I get a 17mm socket
So, first I learned:
- How to use a trolley jack
- A trolley jack does not fit under a lowered VX
To get the jack under the VX, I reversed onto progressively higher blocks of wood which enabled me to get the jack and a piece of load spreading wood on the correct jacking point:
I couldn't find anything in the manual about jacking points but VX220.org.uk came to my rescue. There is a sticker that marks the correct point:
At this point I'm quite pleased with myself (the feeling doesn't last), I've got the car jacked up and an axle stand is put into place in case the jack fails:
And it is at this point I learned two things:
- Take the locking nut key out before jacking the car
- Make sure you have A F*****G SOCKET THAT FITS THE WHEEL NUTS!!!
- (Next time I'll loosen the nuts before jacking too)
There you have it, I'm a mechanical idiot. OA-S to be put on hold until I get a 17mm socket
Edited by JFReturns on Friday 4th May 20:21
The shame...You are not the only one though.
I was going to change the oil in mine once so I went through the palaver of getting it jacked up. Looked underneath and thought f
k this; I'll never manage to do this and put it back on the ground. Then I thought I would change the air filter instead; couldn't get the arch liner off!
ha ha, been there, done that, now pretty much have a tool that will do most things (first ever prope job i did was gear box replacement)
for the wheel socket, get one of the extending wheel brace bars from Halfords or similar, 2 multi sockets and the bar extends to give you loads more purchase. Oh, and dont leave the locking bolt in the wheel once your done, your unlikely to ever see it again I ended up spending 2 hours taking my locking bolts off, 1 hour 45 mins was lost trying to get the bolts out of the socket to go to the next one
for the wheel socket, get one of the extending wheel brace bars from Halfords or similar, 2 multi sockets and the bar extends to give you loads more purchase. Oh, and dont leave the locking bolt in the wheel once your done, your unlikely to ever see it again
I ended up spending 2 hours taking my locking bolts off, 1 hour 45 mins was lost trying to get the bolts out of the socket to go to the next oneTVR MAN said:
The shame... Then I thought I would change the air filter instead; couldn't get the arch liner off!
The whole point of me jacking the car was to remove the arch liner - what was difficult, were the bolts seized?
Andy_sx said:
ha ha, been there, done that, now pretty much have a tool that will do most things (first ever prope job i did was gear box replacement)
for the wheel socket, get one of the extending wheel brace bars from Halfords or similar, 2 multi sockets and the bar extends to give you loads more purchase. Oh, and dont leave the locking bolt in the wheel once your done, your unlikely to ever see it again I ended up spending 2 hours taking my locking bolts off, 1 hour 45 mins was lost trying to get the bolts out of the socket to go to the next one
Yup, got one now. Do you know of any VX specialists near us mate? There is a Vauxhall dealer on the A2 (Pomphreys I think) but not sure I would trust a main stealer....for the wheel socket, get one of the extending wheel brace bars from Halfords or similar, 2 multi sockets and the bar extends to give you loads more purchase. Oh, and dont leave the locking bolt in the wheel once your done, your unlikely to ever see it again
I ended up spending 2 hours taking my locking bolts off, 1 hour 45 mins was lost trying to get the bolts out of the socket to go to the next oneDont know of any local local, the Pomphreys in Maidstone (out the back) were a VX dealership, but on the few encounters I have had with their workshop I wouldnt waste the time getting over there.
What is it your after? PSR in Bishop Stortford are the closest one I would trust, know Paul the owner from years ago in the Fiat cirle, but its a bit of a jaunt for somethig simple.
Your more than welcome to pop over mine and we can have a look if its something simple, although I struggle enough at times to get to my house as its an unmade road, god knows how you would get on lowered
Maidstone sports cars may be worth a try, they do a vtech conversion for the Elise, so know the cars, or its Plans Motorsport in Surrey, or BackonTrack in Guilford
What is it your after? PSR in Bishop Stortford are the closest one I would trust, know Paul the owner from years ago in the Fiat cirle, but its a bit of a jaunt for somethig simple.
Your more than welcome to pop over mine and we can have a look if its something simple, although I struggle enough at times to get to my house as its an unmade road, god knows how you would get on lowered
Maidstone sports cars may be worth a try, they do a vtech conversion for the Elise, so know the cars, or its Plans Motorsport in Surrey, or BackonTrack in Guilford
I wouldn't put the axle stand where you have put it in ther final photo. The jack is in correct position but where the axle stand is, is just the undertray which is fixed to the fibreglass on the sills...Would not be pretty if jack failed.
Alternatively, put the axle stand on the centre where the jack is or towards the front corner of the car where the 'tub' ends behind the wheel.
Hope my stupid explanations made sense?
Alternatively, put the axle stand on the centre where the jack is or towards the front corner of the car where the 'tub' ends behind the wheel.
Hope my stupid explanations made sense?
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