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MG MGA - Rear axle/Differential noise

I've noticed a schhhhhhhhhh noise coming from the rear of the car. Its noticeable when I take my foot off the throttle and start to slow.

It immediately stops when I push the clutch in.

Thoughts?
Tysen McCarthy

Clutch bearing?
Dirk Van Ussel

Hmmm, I'm not sure why a clutch sound would come from the differential?

However I did change the clutch cylinder.

Perhaps its one of the differential pinion bearings that quiets without the engine load.
Tysen McCarthy

Sounds can travel in unusual ways, if you're sure its the rear axle area and not the gearbox/clutch then checking the axle oil level and condition of oil is a simple first step and check the breather is clean and clear.
Nigel Atkins

Go for a drive without the battery cover .
I doubt the noise will come from the diff.
Dirk Van Ussel

On a similar idea try removing the gear lever rubber gaiter/boot and see if the noise seems more gearbox -

and then of course I'd check the level and condition of the gearbox oil. 😄
Nigel Atkins

Thank you all.

I'll try removing the battery cover and listening.

The gear box oil is old and it has sat unused for a period of time. It has likely gone bad.

When you say the clutch bearing as a possibility, do you mean the release bearing?

If so could it be that its not fully releasing? I replaced the clutch slave piston and I lengthened the throw of the clutch arm at the master cylinder. Could that be the cause?
Tysen McCarthy

Yes,release bearing that keeps running. Stops when clutch pedal is pushed in.Try to look inside through the arm's hole whether releasing properly.
Try a spring to pull back.
Dirk Van Ussel

Well diagnosed everyone! I had the clutch pushrod at the master cylinder adjusted too far out.

I backed it off and the noise disappeared!

Thanks as always!
Tysen McCarthy

This thread was discussed between 13/06/2022 and 19/06/2022

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.