Squealing/Sweaking Noise

[david.g.chapman]

I am normally quite good at tracking down the odd noise, but this one has me beat.

On my +2 with the 4 speed box, I get an audible squealing/squeaking noise between drive and coast when the car has been running for 10 miles or so. It does not happen when starting off cold. There is no out of the ordinary vibration. The noise is at speeds between 40 and 70 mph, reducing to a rhythmic squeak at low speeds tied to wheel speed.
The low speed squeak can be heard more on corners but also happens when going straight ahead. It can come and go.

Wheel bearings come to mind of course, but they are quiet when I turn the wheels by hand, and there is no excessive play I can detect. I have heard on this forum that bearings short of lube can squeak when the balls skid instead of rolling, but only between drive and coast?

I have emptied the boot and removed the brake pads, and checked the handbrake linkage. The noise is still there if I ride the clutch or pull the handbrake or dab the bakes when the car is going. The boot release spring has also been checked (watch out for that one!).

Could it be in the transmission anywhere apart from the release/thrust bearing?

Any other thoughts?

Dave Chapman.

[wotsisname]

I'm just throwing some ideas out... Does it matter which gear you are in ? Can we rule out gearbox.... Are you on rotoflex ? Anything a bit dry or loose with the couplings ?

[david.g.chapman]

I am on CV driveshafts. All the bolts on the driveshafts and the diff input flange look tight.

I am normally in 4th when the continuous noise is present, and in other gears as I slow down to the rhythmic squeaking stage. I believe the squeaks just join up at higher speed to make a continuous noise, but I can't be absolutely sure, as between 40 mph and 20 mph the noise is less distinct.

Dave Chapman.

[oldelanman]

Diff pinion oil seal dirt shield bent and contacting diff nose perhaps ?

[richardcox_lotus]

I'm getting a slight whine on my Sprint which I believe is from a slit in the air ventilation trunking from the plenum chamber to the cockpit vent.

Something else to ponder, have you tried changing the vent settings when it starts.

Regards
Richard

[el-saturn]

just a late wild guess: could it be the belt resp. one of the 2 pulleys in question?? the sound you're talking about cant be the gearbox (unless its so full of disintegrated vital components that it's close to blocking) TC himself doesnt squeek! unless there's no more oil. look at your alternator and neighbors? SANDY

[pharriso]

Take the pigs out of the car!

[el-saturn]

phil - i guess im right, but your comment is misleading and makes me smile everywhere!! aint there loads of pigs in our elans...... BUT with caution and patience (some basic knowledge) you can keep em out ---- neglecting certain areas and parts is lethal. when travelling have more tools in yr car than you need (plus some cable etc..) and herewith you can drive to china! sandy --- i take my punk even to italy and dont worry; except in their dark (i mean real dark!!) tunnels!!!

[david.g.chapman]

Good ideas chaps and many thanks!

The water pump is new, but I will have a look at the alternator bearings and the fan belt.

I will also have a look at the vent settings and the input to the diff.

Any more for any more?

Dave Chapman.

[EPA]

If the noise changes with wheel(car) speed then it's unlikely to be something linked to engine speed.
I know you have looked at the handbrake pads but have you tried slackening the adjustment at the calliper as I created a similar noise after being over enthusiastic when adjusting the handbrake for the Mot test and pulling the handbrake didn't seem to make any difference.
The other thing that I would suggest is a stone lodged against a brake disc somewhere.
Ed

[steve.thomas]

If you have the dirt shields fitted to the rear callipers they could be contacting the disc.
Another possibility is a wheel balance weight scraping the bolt head at the outer wishbone / upright joint - have you changed the wheels around recently?
Steve

[Craven]

Have you looked at the tyres? Faults do happen separation in the tyre wall gives rise to a bulge, tyres with steel belts can become noisy as well. Maybe swop for the spare.
FWIW.
Ron.

[david.g.chapman]

Thank you all very much for your replies - I'm overwhelmed!

I have checked everything suggested, including removing the brake pads and peering into the calipers. I have even told my resident pig to leave the car (temporarily of course) to check it is not causing the issue.

I am just hoping it's not something inside the transmission that gets going as the oil warms up and thins a bit, although I can't think what. Ah - maybe a broken clutch plate spring? - or maybe not.

I will keep looking and driving the car, and will let you all know if I find it.

Happy motoring!

Dave.

[LaikaTheDog]

This discussion prompted me to locate my own squeal
Found that my diff was dry ! that is why my oil leak stopped I guess....

[Robbie693]

How about the speedo, cable or speedo itself?

Or it could be the front springs rubbing on the shrouds if you have them...

Robbie