9 replies to this topic

[Bill]

Model:Mini Sprite 1275cc SPi Manual
Year:1996
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):
Whilst driving, if I lift off the accelerator (not touching the brake pedal) I get a clunk and if I hit the accelerator again I get the same clunk. It felt like the engine was moving forward or backward but I tried moving it with a pry bar (between the block and alternator) and there's no excessive play in the engine mounts or stabiliser bars.

I jacked the car up to get both front wheels off the ground.

Put the gearbox in reverse.

I can turn a wheel about 40 degrees before the other wheel spins.

If I turn a wheel back and forth I get the same clunk as the other wheel starts to turn (after about 40 degrees rotation either direction).

Is this normal?

Can you get 'play' in the diff or gearbox and still have a driveable car?

Thanks in advance

[minitomfoolery]

Is your exhaust all secure?

[m1tch]

Is your exhaust all secure?

I know that some people have had issues where the manifold hit the rear bulkhead during acceleration and decelleration

[MRA]

It could be top engine mount to bulkhead bracket or if you are lucky then its just bushes.....

However the wheel turning 40 degrees, keep a watchful eye on this one, if it gets worse then its a diff pin or better still fit a cross pin diff, if your diff pin fails it WILL destroy your grarbox, and if you are really lucky that's all it will do................ it can in extreme cases cause severe loss of control and cause a major RTA

Regards Martin

[mini_mentalist_chris]

Things to check:
1/ Top engine steady bar bushes (definately) and bracket.
2/ Engine mounts.
3/ Subframe mounts
4/ Make sure exhaust is secure.

Other possibilities include pot joints. worn diff, worn gearbox, worn drop gears. Could also be the clutch (disintegration of the torque springs)??

Hope this helps

Chris

[m1n1]

in my experience its always been the top subframe mounts. replace that and see how you get on..

[Pauly]

in my experience its always been the top subframe mounts. replace that and see how you get on..

Alot of people forget the tower mounts and this is what caused my problem with the subby moving.

Paul.

[Bill]

Thanks for all the responses!! Much appreciated.

The car was only MOT'd last week and so I'd hope any dodgy subframe mounts etc. would have been picked up by the tester.

I might take it back to the garage and have him check it out.

Thanks again

[westpark15]

hey
i had exacly the same problem
and it was the top engine mount on the left hand side
glad i could help you with this one :D
nigel

[91neon]

i know you say youve checked but mine sounded identical i had about one cm play on top left engine steady and it caused enough mvmnt for exhaust to hit