cj247 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I have a new 1.6K series with standard 5 speed gearbox with 600 miles on the clock. Ever since first start up the gearbox has been very rattly at tickover in neutral but if you press the clutch the noise disappears. Caterham agreed at the first service that it's noisy & are considering a warranty replacement but as I built the car myself I'd have to remove the gearbox or pay them about £650 to do so. Looking at the various posts it seems that this is a common problem, but probabbly nothing to worry about & all part of the Caterham experience, so I'm wondering if I just live with it & replace the box/recon it if it fails or should I get it replaced under warranty with all the inconvenience or cost of having to remove the engine & gearbox? It was a bugger to get it in so I'm not in a hurry to do this! What about using a gearbox additive like Slick 50? Have to say that the amount of gearbox/diff & general transmission noise is high & with modern manufacturing methods Caterham should have got this under better control. Seems like they rely heavily on the fact that the cars are owned & driven by enthusiasts who'll put up with a lot more than Mr Average. Despite this I'm enjoying my 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pikey Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 The input shafts do rattle so if it's the usual rattle then I wouldn't worry about it. As for the rest of the transmission noises, they are a 1980's design gearbox and diff so standards associated with modern manufacturing methods cannot apply Glad it has not stopped you enjoying it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Day Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 TADTS! Common problem & the above post explains why. Learn to live with it & invest in some earplugs. Amazing how modern it then sounds! Oh & the 6 speed also does the same. Raising the tickover above 1000 rpm does reduce the input shaft rattle somewhat so something to try along with the earplugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj247 Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Excuse my ignorance but what's TADTS? How do you increase the tickover, apart from adjusting the throttle cable, as aren't adjsutments limited for pollution control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domus Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 "They all do that, sir." Usually said in a condecending manner with a smirk thrown in for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bricol Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I assume oil level is correct? Makes an enormous difference. Don't forget also, that in a Sierra the box was infront of you, several feet away, under several layers of insulation and carpet. In a seven it's slap bang next to you, the other side of a thin aluminium sheet. Bri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pezky Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 £650 to remove engine, change gearbox and re-fit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadsport06 Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 CJ237, please remember that what makes our little cars so quick is their lightness. They are compact cars with no sound proofing. Modern cars are 3 times the weight with so much sound proofing that you can be doing 100mph without noticing. Resonance at certain revs can get things rattling. Go to a club meet and see what others think, it is likely to be a case of TADTS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Don't worry about it. After a few years of ownership you won't notice - either because you wear ear plugs or because you're half deaf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shn7 Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Pardon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shn7 Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Be glad you don't have a straight cut gearbox. Mine, both idling and on the move would make you think yours is silent. (Except when I in fourth 😬) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grubbster Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 In case yours is exceptionally noisy (as CC suggest) I'd find someone else nearby with the same box and compare - it could be that yours isn't a TADTS after all and that it needs to be replaced. If it does then I'd argue about paying the £650 to CC - if they supplied a faulty box for you to fit then they should be prepared to compromise on the fitting of a replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shn7 Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 A further thought. Have you checked the alignment of the box in the tunnel to ensure it or anything fitted to it is not touching the chassis/skins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millsn Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I would also check the tickover speed. My crossbow used to rattle less just by balancing the carbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative paul richards Posted August 23, 2011 Area Representative Share Posted August 23, 2011 Rattle is also worse with a lightened flywheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete-B Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I don't think you should accept TADTS as an end all and be all, Iv'e got the same gearbox and there's no rattle at all. If it were mine I would treat it as a winter project and change the box then perhaps? I'm sure if there were any club members in your area they would be only to pleased to give you a hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj247 Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 Gearbox oil is correct, alignment is fine. Now I'm not expecting it to be super quiet given the age of the design, lack of sound proofing etc but if I can leave the car running on the drive & still hear the geabox rattling away inside the house that suggests something's not quite right Anybody with a std 5 speed live near Guildford/Horsham so I can compare? Tried increasing the idle & it helps marginally. How about Slick 50 additive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pikey Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Quoting CJ247: if I can leave the car running on the drive & still hear the geabox rattling away inside the house that suggests something's not quite right Right, now you have given us an idea of the extent of the rattle I would say it's not TADTS and it should be changed. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I wouldn't put an additive in, or it may prejudice your warranty claim. And don't leave it running on the drive, or someone may steal it !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pendennis Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 T9 boxes don't rattle, neither should their input shaft. If the rattle disappears when you push the clutch I suspect your thrust bearing is the cause. Now, I have heard many a thrust bearing rattle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Deslandes Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Good point Ian. Does the rattle go when the pedal is just pressed down enough to take up any slack/clearance, rather than pushed all the way down to fully disengage the clutch. That would surely indicate crb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mankee Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Have you got a manual cable on your K-series? If so, can you try adding a touch of preload to stop the clutch release bearing from chattering at idle? But the question is, what are you doing idling it anyway? Drive it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cj247 Posted August 25, 2011 Author Share Posted August 25, 2011 It's not the CRB as the rattle disappears when you fully depress the clutch pedal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ. Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 I have a newly built Seven with the 5 speed box and sigma engine. When in neutral with foot off the clutch there is a slight noise which goes when I depress the clutch and engage gear. It certainly isn't loud. I'm sure you need a new box unfortunately. It's a real pain having to take out the engine, but if I were you I wouldn't pay Caterham to do it. When my car was in for PBC and IVA I found a couple of things had been done that I wasn't happy with. I'd much prefer to do the work myself. If it makes you feel any better, my winter project is to replace my noisy differential. Duncan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted August 26, 2011 Share Posted August 26, 2011 when at idle there is always a rattle from the layshaft in the type 9 gearbox. this will disappear if you depress the clutch or raise the idle to circa 1100rpm. on the other hand, it may be a rattle that indicates a problem if it's louder than the normal layshaft noise. get along to the local meet and get a few experienced members to listen if it's the normal rattle or something more serious . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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