S1 engine noise

[bjos]

Hi

I talked to a guy who was selling a s1 and he said that it had the normal ginding/ratteling noise when you let go of the gaspedal. I had a s1 before and didnt have a noise when I let go of the gas.

Is this normal? He said it goes away when you gas again or put in the clutch. A friend of mine said he thinks its the bearing in the clutch (or on the rod that is conected to the clutch) thats need to be tighted and that would be no problem exept that it makes some noise.

Does anybody have an idee??

Björn

[wacattack]

Stationary or moving?

Both can be normal. When moving and you back off the accelerator the gearbox does tend to be noisey/rattley. Its exaggerated versus a normal car due to the lack of noise insulation

When stationary the clutch bearing can be noisey after a few miles. Pressing in the clutch usually stops the noise.

I wouldnt have thought its anything to worry about but you can get a specialist to check it over if you are unsure

Edited by wacattack on Sunday 17th May 00:52

[noodleman]

Clutch release bearing by the sounds of it. Not a massive deal.

[Scuffers]

Engines don't rattle, only thing that does make an odd noise is the gearbox on overrun in a high gear, some are worse then others, but even then it's not a pronounced noise

[S Works]

noodleman said:

Clutch release bearing by the sounds of it. Not a massive deal.

That sounds exactly what he's talking about. At idle, with the engine running, car in neutral, you'll hear the whirring of the CRB. Then when you engage the clutch, or simply depress the pedal, it'll go. In all 4 Elises I've had this has been the case to varying degrees.

[bjos]

Its there when you are moving and let go of the gaspedal put goes away when you put it down again or put down the clutch pedal.

Will check if its there allsow when its in neutral.

But it sounds like it is a normal sound then, just whanted to double check.

[bjos]

Can you, or do you need to, do something about it? Is it safe for the gearbox/engine to drive around with that sound?

[danwebster]

Sounds like gearbox backlash, perfectly normal.

[wacattack]

sounds like usual gearbox chatter. It can be reduced by using different gearbox oil (castrol taf-x is a favourite)

[noodleman]

Get AA cover + warranty.

Drive car until:

a) you get used to the noise
b) the gearbox / clutch goes bang

If b) call aa, get new clutch / gearbox fitted for the £50 excess.