Ford Ka Making An Odd Noise - Please Help!
Discussion
My girlfriend's Ka is making some odd sounds. Being both a) her boyfriend and b) a massive car geek, she expects me to be able to magically fix things that go wrong. Up until now this hasn't been a problem as there hasn't been anything more taxing than engine oil topping up. Well, there was the 'broken steering', but that turned out to be a windy day on the A12.
Now... the problem. When the engine is running with the clutch out all is well. If you depress the clutch pedal it starts making a rattling noise from somewhere under the bonnet, and if you apply steering lock at this point it gets approx. twice as loud. I can't see anything untoward around the engine and all fluid levels are okay (save the brake fluid, which is on the 'low' marker). Any ideas?!
Now... the problem. When the engine is running with the clutch out all is well. If you depress the clutch pedal it starts making a rattling noise from somewhere under the bonnet, and if you apply steering lock at this point it gets approx. twice as loud. I can't see anything untoward around the engine and all fluid levels are okay (save the brake fluid, which is on the 'low' marker). Any ideas?!
Did both those symptoms appear at the same time? It might be a clutch release bearing and a generally noisy power steering pump. Also, have you actually checked the noise? I only say that because I know of people who "suddenly" have a problem when the noise was there all along and it was only when someone pointed it out that they realise it is there.
Does it have PAS, and are there any other strange noises (or oil leaks)? The only fault that I can imagine having symptoms linked in the way you describe would be really, really excessive crankshaft end float - but that doesn't seem overly likely somehow.
The clutch release bearing sound like a likely culprit as the rattly noise maker, but I can't see what the steering could have to do with it.
The clutch release bearing sound like a likely culprit as the rattly noise maker, but I can't see what the steering could have to do with it.
Try observing the crankshaft pulley whilst an assistant depresses the clutch (engine running). If there is obvious movement then you have found your problem - hope it isn't that, but you might with any luck see something else going on.
I do remember reading about an engine that had a habit of spitting out its thrust washers, but can't for the life of me remember what it was. I have a feeling it was in something pretty ancient - I don't believe it's something modern engines are particularly prone to. (If they are, there must be some horrific taboo around the subject as if it's something dirty and shameful).
If the problem is just a rattly clutch release bearing, I wouldn't consider changing it as a matter of any great urgency. It might soldier on for a while; even if it doesn't, the only things that it'll hurt are ones that'll want replacing as part of the same job. It'll let you know when it has finally fallen to bits by making some truly dreadful noises that you will be very keen to get fixed
Post back here when you find out what it is - I'm curious now.
I do remember reading about an engine that had a habit of spitting out its thrust washers, but can't for the life of me remember what it was. I have a feeling it was in something pretty ancient - I don't believe it's something modern engines are particularly prone to. (If they are, there must be some horrific taboo around the subject as if it's something dirty and shameful).
If the problem is just a rattly clutch release bearing, I wouldn't consider changing it as a matter of any great urgency. It might soldier on for a while; even if it doesn't, the only things that it'll hurt are ones that'll want replacing as part of the same job. It'll let you know when it has finally fallen to bits by making some truly dreadful noises that you will be very keen to get fixed
Post back here when you find out what it is - I'm curious now.
I have a theory, you have a rattley release bearing in the clutch and a knackered power steering pump.
Now the rattle from the release bearing overpowers the sound from the power steering pump. When the release bearing is silenced by depressing the clutch the pump can then be heard, when steering is applied, aforementioned pump makes more noise.
It's only a theory!
Now the rattle from the release bearing overpowers the sound from the power steering pump. When the release bearing is silenced by depressing the clutch the pump can then be heard, when steering is applied, aforementioned pump makes more noise.
It's only a theory!
ndg said:
The engine prone to dropping thrusts was the triumph 1500 I think, either that or the 2ltr straight six, not sure.....
I think you're right - I had a feeling it was a Triumph engine when I wrote that earlier! I'm wondering whether it's yet another desirable trait of the 2.5PI - along with the mechanical fuel injection that constantly needed rebuilding.The garage said that it is the clutch release bearing, but you can't change this without changing the clutch too. They didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with the steering, so is there any reason that when stationary and putting load through the power steering the noise from the clutch gets louder? Is it linked or could there also be something else wrong? The garage has quoted £386.55 to change the clutch, I think this is quite high - does anyone know of a good place in Essex where I could get the clutch done?
David87 said:
The garage said that it is the clutch release bearing, but you can't change this without changing the clutch too. They didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with the steering, so is there any reason that when stationary and putting load through the power steering the noise from the clutch gets louder? Is it linked or could there also be something else wrong? The garage has quoted £386.55 to change the clutch, I think this is quite high - does anyone know of a good place in Essex where I could get the clutch done?
£386.55 f
k ing hell lol i know a good clutch man near dartford if thats any good to you.Ed
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