Tech solutions and real world tips
Matt Tomkins PROJECTS EDITOR
Our resident workshop puppet master, Matt has Morris Minors and A-Series engines in his blood.
This month Broke out the MIG torch on his Landy’s bulkhead.
Martin Domoney WORKSHOP EDITOR
Martin’s a former JLR technician who knows his classics inside and out.
This month Got an MOT on the AX and returned it to the road.
Theodore J Gillam ENGINEERING EXPERT
Former Motor Vehicle lecturer and classic fiddling perfectionist. Has a love of compression ignition.
This month Myth busting fault code reader misconceptions.
Ed Hughes WORKSHOP GENIUS
Single-handedly keeps a fleet of obscure classics on the road. He’s never owned a modern and will keep it that way.
This month Lada Samara out for a summer of beigeness!
Nigel Clark DIY RESTORER
Nigel’s driveway achievements rival those of pro mechanics. He’s our resident Triumph and BMW expert.
This month Suspension upgrades for the TR6.
CREAKS AND GROANS
BEARINGS
A dull scraping noise or loud humming from a specific corner is likely a wheel bearing, especially if it worsens on corners.
GLITTER
Look at the oil: some magnetic sludge, bronze glitter and a few filings are normal. In excessive quantities, they indicate bad wear.
PARTS?
Before rebuilding a transmission or final drive, find out what (if any) parts are available. Bearings are usually easy, other parts less so.
Q My Volvo 164 sounds like an old bus. The (rebuilt) engine’s sweet enough, but everything else appears to be really rough. Can you help me track down the main offenders, so I can prioritise repairs or replacements?
Ed says
AWhines and howls from a rear axle tend to resonate through the whole bodyshell. Heavy clonking when taking up drive is from the same source. No harm results from this, but it’s a simple enough crownwheel adjustment job. Grinding implies that perhaps the adjustment is way out, or the bearings are worn. It’s easy to confuse with rear wheel bearings: get a passenger to hunt for the source.
Gearboxes can make unsettling noises, even in perfect condition. Your first port of call for gnashing or high-pitched sounds should be missing grommets, rubber plugs and sound insulation in the bodyshell. Whining points to worn bearings, which are not urgent. Crunching into gear, especially reverse, suggests: badly-adjusted clutch or pedal obstruction; destroyed spigot bush/ bearing in crank. Certain gears only: worn synchromesh. Noises which change between acceleration and over-run may be due to a shaft able to float around in the gearbox. It may be wear, or something come loose, depending on how quickly the noise develops.
Front wheel drive gearboxes can make rattl
