Hi.

New here, and need help.

Recently got a manual 96 Brighton wagon. I does some sort of scratching/screeching/rattling metallic noise (can't decide which one is closer) at rpms > 2500-3000 in any gear except 5th. May be in 5th as well, but road noise blocks it. No noise until 5-10 minutes of driving, maybe except during start up (1-2 seconds of same noise). Noise does not follow rpms exactly, it is sort of erratic and just becomes louder with rpms.

Noise is loudest when I accelerate hard and if I let go of gas, it quiets considerably, but is still there, until rpms drop.

My mechanic (who took a ride with me) says its not the engine and not the exaust heat shields.

 

I could probably record the sound and post it here

 

Do I have a crack in exaust somewhere? Any other possibilies?

 

Thanks a lot.

To some extent, sounds like a wheel bearing. Does the noise go away on right or left turns when you're keeping the rpm up? Another thing that masquerades as wheel bearing noise is a loose castle nut on one of the axles. Axle nut is easy to check, but bearings a little harder.

try this test,start the car and put shifter in nuetral,clutch out and go to the rpms that you describe and see if you have the noise,now do the same with clutch on the floor,did the noise stop,change any?

To some extent, sounds like a wheel bearing. Does the noise go away on right or left turns when you're keeping the rpm up? Another thing that masquerades as wheel bearing noise is a loose castle nut on one of the axles. Axle nut is easy to check, but bearings a little harder.

Well, the noise is not speed, but rpm related. 45-50mhp in 4th and I have lots of it, shift to 5th and it's gone. But I'll have a look at axle nut though. Thanks.

 

try this test,start the car and put shifter in nuetral,clutch out and go to the rpms that you describe and see if you have the noise,now do the same with clutch on the floor,did the noise stop,change any?

You think it might be clutch? I do have the noise in neutral (after 10 minute warm up) with clutch out, will try the other option tomorrow and report back. Thanks

Gearbox bearings?

 

 

Check the oil level in the 'box.

Small update.

Axle nuts are fine. Noise in neutral afer warmup is there with clutch in and out. No change at all if I depress the clutch.

 

Gearbox bearings?

Check the oil level in the 'box.

You mean the transmission? It's fine. I will change it tomorrow though and see if the noise changes.

 

Any other ideas?

Have you checked for loose heat shield s around the exhaust?

 

 

 

Beezer

Have you checked for loose heat shield s around the exhaust?

Beezer

Yes, I asked mechanic to look for it, and he said there aren't any that are loose.