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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - clunkety-clunk

My rwa has been effectively off the road for the last 6 months as it has been living at the in laws whilst we've been having building work done and thus sadly has not seen much use. Due to our No. 1 car blowing up in France on holiday the midget has been suddenly pressed into service as my daily driver this week. Normally I always drive topless but yesterday and today I've kept the roof up for my 22 mile trip into work and noticed a "new" noise emanating from the back end. I can best describe it as a dull clunking which increases with speed and appears to be from the right hand side of the rear drive train. My first thought was bearings or diff but strangely on both of the last two mornings the noise has disappeared about 6 miles into my journey and then has not reappeared on the way home.
I haven't had the time to investigate further and don't have access to a garage for the moment to have a good look.
Anyone got any ideas?
Matt 1275 Bucks

Are the wheel lugs tight? Stating the obvious, I know, but that can certainly result in the sounds you describe.

You may want to have a look at the propshaft U-joints also. I realize you're hearing the sound from one side, but it can't hurt to check.

Good question!

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Could it possibly be a wheel brake cylinder slightly out of alignment due to retaining circlip being bent out of shape (or general sloppy fit). The cylinder might then catch the back of one of the wheel stud lugs as it rotates. Mine does !! ( On list of things to do over winter period. It will be fixed with a screw next time.)...that sounds fun :o)
Geoff Mears (1970 Midget)

Good ideas both and I'll certainly check but why would the noise go after about 6 miles each morning? That's what gets me!
Matt 1275 Bucks

If its only happening for the 1st 6 miles then never agian, Id try a differant route, and see if its still there ...my thinking is, its a road problem, hard to belive with the perfect roads you guys have...LOL.

Ive had that happen, there is a strech of road I normally drive, and I get a lot of road noise and minor vibration, giving the appearance of a loose front suspension for about 3 miles

If the car sat for along time, it may also be the tires devoloped a flat spot, that once heated, they go round...but I think tires have to seat for years for that to devolop...not months, But Im no tire guy ither.


Prop
Props Black Hole

Worn spring hangers & bolts perhaps.
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

I'm with Guy... something has to make the noise start and stop.

I had one of the drum-springs break once (corrosion!) ... caused a strange noise that altered with speed; it changed when brakes were applied to that was a bit of a clue...

A
Anthony Cutler

This thread was discussed on 26/08/2009

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