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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - rib-case rattle...

chaps...my 1275 ribcase 'box has developed the infamous rattle...I have replaced to "anti-rattle" spring and plunger as well as the spring and button under the lever but can still get the noise under certain combinations of revs and engine load.
I seem to remember [a LONG time ago] that I could push down on the top of the gearstick and feel some spring loaded return, but the new kit has eliminated this.

anyone any comments, please?
thanks as ever
Dave
David Cox

I had this when I first got my midget, it had a very heavy MGOC wooden gear knob, I changed this to a lightweight plastic one, which cured the problem.
All to do with resonant frequencies.

Dave
Dave Barrow

Easy way to tell if it's the gear knob is to drive without it fitted and see if the noise alters or goes away.

I think (can't remember for sure) that you've been through and checked that all the parts you have fitted to the the gearbox/lever are correct for that particular gearbox but if the noise continues then it might be worth checking again. You could put up a photo of all the parts laid out. Sometimes the wrong parts can have been fitted and you copy them or wrong parts sent and you don't know this trusting that the supplier would send the part ordered.

Nigel Atkins

thanks for your input...I'll whip off the gear knob and try again.
Yes..it's all to do with resonance..I'll end up sellotaping weights to the gearlever to take it off frequency!
Dave
David Cox

Dave

What age/ model is your car and which lever and knob do you have?

My last RWA car had the standard lever with rubber block and the standard plastic gearknob, but still buzzed despite fitting the anti-zizzle kit. It turned out to be the knob.
Dave O'Neill 2

If it is the gear knob, depending on its type, perhaps you could try a lock (half) nut beneath it to tighten its fixing to the lever.
Nigel Atkins

well. what d'ya know! I unscrewed the [wooden] gear knob about 3/4 inch thereby effectively lengthening the lever assy...went for a good blast...and... no rattle! I've not heard of de-tuning a gear-lever before but you live and learn! Thanks Dave for the original tip, and others who have chipped in.
happy days!
Dave
David Cox

Dave,
well done.

In this case do add a lock-nut under the knob or it could loosen up and twist with use.
Nigel Atkins

Maybe it is time to add 1/2 pound of ground beef, a banana peel and a cup of sawdust just for good measure. I never could get the scraping sound on deceleration out of the ribcase and finely ended up with a Rivergate conversion.
Glenn Mallory

This thread was discussed between 12/07/2018 and 17/07/2018

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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