Brian Furgalus wrote:
>
> I am going to be making a gentleman an offer on a 1980 Spitfire. The car is
> in nice mechanical condition, but the rear end concerns me. At speed,
> something from the rear tends to make an intermitant whining noise (like gears
> in a gearbox, but it's definitely NOT that!).With the clutch disengaged, the
> noise disappears. The car only has 34,000 genuine miles, so I really don't
> see how there could be a diff. problem, but I could be wrong! I'm inclined to
> think it's a diff. problem, because if it were anything else, the noise would
> be evident on decel., regardless of whether or not the clutch was disengaged.
> I don't know how to describe the noise. It is, I think, most definitely from
> the diff, but I know the diff is noisy in the spitfire. What is considered
> normal? It's not so loud as to not be able to talk over it, but it sure is
> annoying after a while, top up!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Brian Furgalus
>
> (BTW- This list is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I happily read
> people's stories. They're fun!)
Brian,
Not sure I know which position the clutch is in when it is
disengaged, but if you mean when you are "coasting" the noise
goes away, then it may be that there is a slight misalignment
in the diff. The diff uses different faces of the ring and
pinion gears when it is coasting or under load. It is more
noticeable since there is a minimum of insulation between you
and the diff, as well as the close proximity.
If by disengaged, you mean when you step on the clutch, it may
very well be a bad throw-out bearing.
As Patrick has said, it could be the u-joints, but that is
generally more of a clunking noise than a whine.
Cheers,
--
Doug Mitchell
dmitchel@ismi.net
dmitchel@ford.com
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