Hi everyone,
Iv got a worrying rattling ratcheting type noise on my 96 STI. The noise isn't that loud but does not sound nice. If you accelerate up to 3000rpm then let of the accelerater you can hear it until the revs drop to 2000rpm. If you rev the car up stationary no noise & it sounds ok on tick over.Iv only done 600 miles after a forged bottom end rebuild & am now quite concerned. Any advice appreciated thanks.

 

thats not good mate, sounds like a knocking bottom end. Had the same symptoms on my classic.

No noise on idle but rattled on over run when the revs come down.

 

I knew someone would say that.I take it you needed a full rebuild?

 

who did the rebuild matey??

 

Advanced Automotive I'll have to call them tomorrow to see what they recommend. Gutted!

 

600 miles should still only be running in really, how much power have you got running through it?

 

Don't know what power,I was running it in for 1000 miles then was goin to get Simtec. It's got a RCM 400 but Iv been driving it off boost to try & run it in. Can't afford another rebuild don't see why it would only last 600 miles?

 

Have you had a lightweight flywheel fitted ? is it engine or drivetrain ? 3k-2k revs is classic overun noise on a LWFW if it's drivetrain.

 

Yes it has a LWFW,& Exedy clutch what noise do these make & how can I tell that from bottom end knock on over run? Thanx.

 

Lol LWFW with an exedy can sound like the front diff is fooked !

Bit like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5X-TprdLcM

goto about 40 seconds

 

that certainly sounds more like the symptoms the op posted mate, good call

 

Where abouts in the country are you Rich ?

 

Thanx 53 I think that's it not exactly the same but the death rattle at the end is how mine sounds going from 3k to 2k. Funny thing is I never noticed it before.

 

I'm in Nottingham

 

Yeah bit far from me. I have it worse than that on both my classics with exedy and LWFW

Gets more noticeable the more you stiffen the chassis especially on mine where the diff is locked to the subframe

 

Iv just fitted 18inch wheels with 35 profile tyres wonder if that made it worse.

 

My drivetrian noise is just the same,noisey as hell with alot of suspension stiffness modification along with LWSP/light weight flywheel.

 

I'm over in Melton Mowbray mate, not far from you. I've just changed to 18" with 35's and its not made that noise BUT when I changed the tyres on my old 17's they were uneven and upset the centre diff on the gearbox.

If you can get over, pop into Carnetix in Melton as Glenn is a legend and diagnosed my problem just from taking the car out on the road.

 

hi am in notts and unfortunately well acquainted with bottom end rattle so will come listen if you like but that soon after a rebuild is likely t'other problem.

 

Just after mine was rebuilt it developed a rattle a bit like the op posted.

Turned out to be the crankshaft pulley had lost it's centre rubber bit, (well, not lost kit, but it had perished or something), so a replacement pulley was fitted and the noise went away.

 

Hi oobyju,
Thanx for the offer I might take u up on that where in Notts are you?

 

Nice thought alcazar but It had new light weight pulleys thanx anyway

 

Hi everyone,
Just lettin you all know the outcome of my rattle. Went over to Carnetics in Melton thanx to the Hamsters recommendation. Glynn road tested the car & had a good listen to the engine, he seemed to really know his stuff & was very helpful,I would definitely recommend them. Anyway the verdict is my engine is sweet with no problems,but my front diff centre bearing is knackered. The lightened flywheel has made the noise more obvious. Glynn says it will last a bit longer but a rebuild or 6 speed is on the cards. I'd like to thank everyone for their advice & Input. Rebuild or 6 speed?

 

No disrespect to Carnetics but you'd be a fool to part with any money to rebuild or replace your box at this stage The LWFW and Exedy make a right noise, exactly the noise of a fooked front diff. If you can't live with it your best bet is an OEM flywheel. Impreza trannys make noise and the less harmonic dampening they get the more its heard.

Glad the engines ok I love to take you out in my car lol, it's 100% mint but sounds fooked

 

Thanx for your advice 53, Glynn did actually say It was fine to run for now but that if it got worse I'd have to consider doing something with it. Just glad engines Ok.

 

sry for the late reply am central nottingham but no need now, glad your engine's ok