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02-09-2023, 10:00 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Posts: 604
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Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
Even though it’s a Model A, the rattling noise that has developed in the past couple of months isn’t a typical rattle I’ve ever heard in 55 years of owning Model A’s.
The noise is a metallic rattle that occurs when I let off the throttle at 25-30 mph and make a broad right turn, like going around a curve. The noise disappears if I give the engine a little more throttle. There is no noise when decelerating while going straight or making a left turn. At first, I thought the noise was tools under the front seat (‘31 Deluxe Roadster) rattling against the sheet metal, but I’ve ruled that out. The noise also sounds like it’s coming from the transmission or U-joint area. The usual suspects - loose brake rods, engine pans, brake cross shafts - are all tight and definitely not the source of the noise. The wishbone and radius rods on the rear axle are all tight - or at least I cannot move them with my hands. I followed Tom Endy’s article to do a full bearing and race replacement on the rear axle almost 2 years (~2,000 miles ago) and have had no problem or funny noises coming from the differential. The U-joint was not replaced, as it had very little wear. I’m thinking I probably have to pull the rear axle to find the source of the noise. Before I do that, I would appreciate any suggestions as to what else I might check. Many thanks - Jim |
02-10-2023, 03:23 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 516
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
I had a rattle that sounded like it was under the floorboard near the shifter. Turned out to be the hood prop device attached to the radiator support rods. One side was not retracted and was rattling intermittently.
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02-10-2023, 06:29 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Central Maine
Posts: 647
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
Universal joint ?
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02-10-2023, 07:30 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Posts: 604
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
Rob doe, Springerpete - thanks very much for your suggestions.
My car doesn’t have a hood prop device and the radiator support rods are both tight - I think - need to check those. The universal joint is a strong possibility. Jim |
02-10-2023, 11:03 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 4,054
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
Things to check:
Since it is related to turning and decelerating, the first thing to check is the rear end. Check the in and out play in the rear axles. Look for metallic residue in the differential oil (use a magnet and coffee filter). Jack up one rear wheel and check for play in the ring/pinion gear. See if there is evidence of the drums rubbing against the backing plates or brake components. It does not sound like the universal joint but you could check that too while the one rear wheel is up in the air by putting the car in low or reverse and moving the wheel back and forth. Having a helper will help.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
02-10-2023, 11:31 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: SF Bay Area
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
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I also had a rattle from a loose inspection plate on the top of the bell housing. Hard to find unless you remove the floorboard. JayJay
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02-10-2023, 01:16 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2020
Location: Melbourne, FL
Posts: 28
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
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02-11-2023, 11:13 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Venice, Fl and Marcy, NY
Posts: 96
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Re: Need Help Diagnosing Rattling Noise
Also check the hub caps. I put the rubber "O" rings on and it help get rid of a lot of noise
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