Squeaky Chimaera

[TheMason]

Hello to all of you, from a brand new member and a relatively inexperienced TVR owner.

I've had my '99 Chimaera 4.0 for about a year and a half now, and apart from a water ingress problem which I think I may have just got to the bottom of, it has been generally trouble-free. However, in the last three months I have noticed a squeaking sound coming from the front, and possibly the rear suspension (I think), when I go over speed bumps (sadly, I have no choice!). I mentioned it to the mechanic who has just fitted a new exhaust; he didn't seem to think it was indicative of anything serious.

I do about 60-80 miles a week, many around bumpy back country lanes. My Chimaera seems to handle all of the bumps and dips just fine, with a firm ride, but then I don't really have much to compare it to, having only driven one TVR. It is hard to tell with all of the wind and purring, but I'm pretty sure I have heard the squeaking once or twice at speed too.

Has anyone got any ideas what it may be, is it a potentially major problem, should I get it fixed, and if so and how? Any clues or help would be gratefully recieved!

[stuartc]

Do a de-Cat and you will not hear it anymore mate

[TheMason]

Thanks Stuart.

Please bear with me, I'm not a very technical person. What's a de-cat, and how do I do it. Sounds like it could be some '50's Jive step or something ;-)... No, really, I am fairly clueless...

[GreenV8S]

TheMason said:

I mentioned it to the mechanic who has just fitted a new exhaust; he didn't seem to think it was indicative of anything serious. ... Has anyone got any ideas what it may be, is it a potentially major problem, should I get it fixed, and if so and how? Any clues or help would be gratefully recieved!

Your mechanic doesn't seem to think it is a problem and he knows far more about it than we do, so I would go with his diagnosis.

[Size Nine Elm]

It might be the bushes - you get the odd squeak or even clunk from them if they're worn.

[GarryM]

You could try WD40 or a silicon type spray on the wishbone bushes and the anti-roll bar (ARB) bushes. Really soak them and it might do the trick. My Griff squeaks too which in my case seems to be the ARB bushes.

[GreenV8S]

I would have thought that WD40 would wreck the bushes, oil is generally bad for rubber.

[GarryM]

Yes, you're right. There must be something similar you could use though? I have poly' bushes and was advised that WD40 was OK.

[tattoodrob]

TheMason said:

Thanks Stuart. Please bear with me, I'm not a very technical person. What's a de-cat, and how do I do it. Sounds like it could be some '50's Jive step or something ;-)... No, really, I am fairly clueless...

[the dodger]

TheMason said:

Thanks Stuart. Please bear with me, I'm not a very technical person. What's a de-cat, and how do I do it. Sounds like it could be some '50's Jive step or something ;-)... No, really, I am fairly clueless...

Dis is de-cat:~

[Flintstone]

TM.

The cat referred to is the catalytic converter which, as well as helping make the environment safer for squirrels and bunnies, reduces the noise.

Remove the cats, smother the squeaking!

[Overhere]

Mines squeeking now, over big bumps like speed bumps, I ran over "de-cat" so can't be that, WD not a good idea?