Topic

Hi All
I am a newbie here (just found the site today) and I am keen to find a solution to our car problem.
We have a 2000 MY MGF Steptronic with very low miles 47K.
Over the past couple of months we have been hearing a strange tapping noise from the back of the car.
Usually starts about a mile down the road, taps quite a few times at 45mph approx with 10 second gaps and lasts 1 -2 mins then stops. The taps sound like (tin) metal on metal hitting the underside/rear of the car.
It will also continue once if you stop (didn't try with car in neutral) but as quickly as it starts they stop.
We then hear nothing for the rest of the trip. If we park for ten minutes, then go they start again.

We have had the car to our trusty garage and they suggest gearbox but are none too happy about tackling the problem.

Anybody here had anything similar?

Chris

Where are you based? There may be someone local to you who could come and have a listen.

Hi David
Thank you for the fast response.
We are based near Carnforth. Midway between Lancaster and Kendal.

Soggybottomboy wrote: wrote:

Hi David
Thank you for the fast response.
We are based near Carnforth. Midway between Lancaster and Kendal.

Well David, you did ask.

I've a TF steppy and I've never experienced this problem. I did try a search for it but the reasons vary from gearbox to brakeshoes to.. well you get the picture.

I'd be inclined to take the engine cover off and check for rattley type heatshields, loose nuts, bolts etc. Or, would you say that it's definately more of a mechanical type tapping? I would have thought that a mech tap would have been more uniform myself. It's not something as simple as your inspection grill cover is it?

This is the difficulty with noises. A devil to track down in situ, impossible to diagnose over the interweb.

The garage has suggested the most expensive source, but it really needs to be isolated further. But I've not come across a steptronic box making noises like you describe.
Most gearbox/ engine noises are rapid tapping or whining/screeching.

Does the noise change if you accelerate or brake? What happens if you change gear manually, does the noise stop or worsen?

Maybe you could somehow record the sound on a camera and upload it to youtube. Or send the file to me and I'll upload it and post it here?

The noise is uniform in its strength and happens when in auto and sport. Always starts about a mile or so after setting off and as temp starts to rise. Does not matter then if you speed up or in traffic taps continue.Just been thinking about the noise and are there any circuit breakers in the car that would make a cracking noise?
I have done a web search through most forums both MGF and BMW Mini and can find no info at all
The garage we use had a listening tube on the Gbox and were sure it was coming fom here.
But as I said in prev post after a few min it stops until you restart the car.
My wife loves the car but it has already cost us a small fortune in new parts plus the usual HGF.
We are puzzled by this one.

I will have the car tomorrow and try to record the noise and either post on YouTube or can you Pm your email.
Thanks for your time so far chaps.

Chris

Does the speed of the tapping go up and down as the engine revs rise and fall?

My CVT belt started to shred in my Steppy... and the cost of replacing the belt was £995 so I opted to convert to a manual

There is a company in Wickford (Essex) who 'specialises' in these gear boxes.. but all of their prices start at £995

These are not 'normal' auto boxes and I wouldnt just take it to any garage if it is the gear box t fault..

Is it possible to get the back up off the floor on axle stands and put the car into drive so that you can have a proper listen?

Morning friends
Just been out in the f to video the noise and as usual started as the car got up to temp about a couple of miles down road. Tapped 4 times in quick succession then once x 3 and stopped.
Parked up outside house to review video and with the car stopped and ignition off its tapping!!! So it has to be heat/ expansion /contraction related. Just had words with local garage and am off to see them after lunch.
Thanks for all the suggestions, the video was a great idea. Will post if the answer is found.

Update and problem solved.
Just had the f up on a ramp and the problem located. The radiator pipes under the length of the car were expanding and the brackets holding them were not tight enough to stop heat expansion movement.(We had new radiator and pipes fitted earlier this year).Nipped up with socket and bingo no tapping.
I now say thanks again to all for your time thinking about my problem and a BIG thanks to Leigh Ping for the idea of videoing the sound which helped locate the issue.

Fantastic!
And much cheaper than a gearbox.