Creaking/ scraping suspension

[hornmeister2000]

Morning all!

I wonder if someone can help me with something? I've had my 1990 MG for 5 years now and it's always, when very loaded up, made a scraping sound when pulling away (no other time). For example, when I moved house and had everything I owned in it, when I have 2 people in the front, 2 in the back and a boot full of luggage, etc. Oh, and when I put a very large friend on the back seat and went to France for the day!

Anyway, I'd sortof accepted that as a characteristic of my car. 3 weeks ago it went to the garage to have a new exhaust front section. While he was doing this, he snapped the rubber off the end of the anti-roll bar or something and replaced it (goodbye £109!) claiming it was going to break soon anyway. Now (I think) this is all at the front of the car, isn't it?

The other thing he did was to tighten my handbrake cable for me, although he overdid it a bit and the handle only moves a couple of inches now before it stops. Since then, the car scrapes with only 2 people in the front (the noise is at the back), and does it considerably more than it did before.

Does anyone have the same problem or know the likely cause of this? The car drives fine and is otherwise in good condition (except some rust). Is it likely to be the handbrake touching as it's overtightened? Would this scrape when pulling away? Could it be something with the anti-roll bar? Any ideas would be appreciated!

Many thanks,

Neil

[Maria]

I wonder if it's the problem I have when I'm pulling away or going uphill.

My exhaust is a little suspect (I think the rear rubber mount is going) and as the engine tilts under load or uphill (basically when there's a certain angle between car and engine), the exhaust rattles on the anti-roll bar, although for me the noise is at the front.

Since you've had mods to the exhaust and ARB, I wonder if you're getting a similar problem?

[J199 HHG]

Rear mudflaps scraping the floor?

[hornmeister2000]

Don't have any mudflaps. THe point about the exhaust/anti-roll bar is interesting. The sound is definitely from the back and happens more when loaded up, but I suppose the sound could be vibrating something else at the back. I might get underneath and have a look at the weekend. Anyone got any other ideas as well?

[Landcrab1800]

Hi,

When you pull away the rear of the car dips. So with this thought try a very gentle start, preferable down a hill. Next have a look inside your rear wheel arches for signs of rubbing. If there is rubbing AND there was no noise then you have a suspension problem.

You saib the MOTer changed a antirole part. These should always be changed in pairs otherwise your car can sit to one side and possibly agrovating your problem.

NOTE: Just because a car passes an MOT it does not mean that the suspension is good. Shockers are lifed (except those with life-time gaurentees) for about 30,000 miles. As they become week your car wallows, the ride gets spongy and the braking distance increases;)

G

[e692wtt]

On my VDP Montego, the exhaust centre section was a 'cheapo' bit, not very well shaped, and it vibrated/banged against the rear suspension H-frame, especially when the car was stopped and the engine idling with 2 people in the front and one in the left rear seat.

Seems to tie in with what other people have said above...:eek:

[hornmeister2000]

Got under the car this weekend. There's no rubbing on the wheel arches. Got my Dad to listen and he reckons it's the exhaust vibrating somewhere. Does this sound likely as it only happens when the car is loaded up and pulling away? The more I hear it, the more I think the exhaust is most likely. Any final thoughts anyone?

[MaestroMatt]

Does the end of the tailpipe touch the bumper? Mine does and it makes a sod of a noise when I pull away and again at about 2500 rpm. Really is very annoying - I think I need to get a longer rubber mouting so the exhaust can drop about an inch or so and hopefully stop this.

Oh, and as if this wasn't enough, I have the same vibration-roll-bar problem at the front as Maria. Stupid car.

[G Force]

Hello there. The exhaust touching somewhere sounds favourite to me whether it be the front pipe touching the anti roll bar, the rear silencer on the rear valance/bumper or the pipe touching the H frame.

You say that you have just had the exhaust renewed, can you just take it back tell them it is rattling on the body somewhere and let them reposition it for you.

If you can't take it back for some reason, then you can do it yourself. Slacken the clamps on the exhaust and with a rubber Hammer or similar make sure the front pipe is fully inserted in to the centre section, do the same with the rear silencer, then twist the sections so that you get the best clearance over the H frame and then make sure everything is fully tight.

Also while you are under the car you should slacken off the handbrake cable.


Cheers Gary.

[hornmeister2000]

Thanks very much for your help, guys - I'll have a look this weekend, otherwise take it back to the garage.

[Alan the Vanner]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MaestroMatt
[B]Does the end of the tailpipe touch the bumper? Mine does and it makes a sod of a noise when I pull away and again at about 2500 rpm. Really is very annoying - I think I need to get a longer rubber mouting so the exhaust can drop about an inch or so and hopefully stop this.

I had this problem when I got a stainless steel system fitted to my van. In the end I went to the local motor factor to see what could be done. I think the result was some mounts meant for an Astra(!)

[MaestroMatt]

Originally posted by Alan the Vanner
I had this problem when I got a stainless steel system fitted to my van. In the end I went to the local motor factor to see what could be done. I think the result was some mounts meant for an Astra(!)

Oh blimey - not sure I could tolerate parts from a Vauxhall Ashtray on my Maestro. Luckily (for me - clearly not for him!), my housemate has one, so i can measure up the mounts and see if they are suitable (and whip them off his car when he's not looking!). Thanks Alan.

[redmaestro]

Interesting! Last Saturday, I had my whole exhaust replaced on my E reg MG by my local ATS (£170 jobbie). After he fitted it, he let me inspect the system. He pointed out that the back section of the exhaust is positioned just above the rear axle. The clearance was only about an inch, where it should be 2-3 inches (see 0.14 in the Haynes book). I was told that if I have passengers in the back of the car, I will hear the exhaust vibrating against the axle.

I heard it yesterday whilst i was pulling away up a steep hill. It sounds exactly like a scraping noise, but it is just the exaust pipe vibrating against the axel. The fitter said he can heat up and slightly bent the exhaust to give better clearance, but it will weaken the pipe. Because its new, i will still be covered under the warrenty :). So far, its driving me crazy and will ask him to do it this weekend.

In fairness though, it made one-hell-of-a-noise - LOL:laugh:

redm

[hornmeister2000]

That's useful to know - thanks!

[Rich]

I had a problem with the exhaust on my 1.3 LX, with people or a large load in the back, there would be a vibrating noise. All that was needed in the end was to give the tail pipe a swivel to give it more clearance over the H frame and it was sorted!

Rich

[hornmeister2000]

Thanks for everyone's help on this one. After a closer look, I've found damage on the rear bumper around the exhaust. Problem solved!