My 09/2006 build R50 has been making this noise since I bought it a few months ago with 31k miles on the odometer. Currently at 34K miles.

When I am accelerating, there is a chatter noise coming from what I perceive to be the driver side of the front of the car, especially audible from idle to about 2.5-3K rpms. Also especially audible when accelerating in a high gear at relatively low speed, for example, 50% throttle at 30 mph in 5th gear.

The noise cannot be heard from inside the cabin with the windows closed, however with the windows open I can hear the noise (it's not very loud). Noise only happens when car is in gear and accelerating, no noise when car is idling, or when revving motor in neutral.

I know the getrags can be noisy sometimes, just wondering if this is a major problem I should worry about. Other than the noise, the transmission shifts fine, never has any issues and feels great.

I am suspecting either transmission, possibly pressure plate (flywheel?), perhaps wheel bearings or axle related? Not sure, but looking for ideas.

Any feedback is appreciated.

-Al

 

Update: took my car by the dealer yesterday and they said nothing was wrong with it. In fact, when I tried to show it to the mechanic, I realized how subtle the sound was.

Guess I am just not used to the differences in noise between the 5 speed and 6 speed gertrag.

 

Sounds like flywheel chatter. See if it goes away when you press the clutch in.

 

Could be flywheel chatter, although when the car is in neutral and at a stop, no difference in noise between clutch released or clutch depressed.

The noise is only audible when under significant throttle (50% or greater) and the RPMs are low. For example, at 20 mph and in 4th gear, at 50% throttle.

 

My 2005 R50 does the exact same thing.... but after considerable poking and prodding, I wrote it off mentally as exhaust baffle rattle that just 'sounded like' it was coming from the front of the car... at my age, since I have absolutely no indication of a problem, and nothing looks or feels remiss under the hood, I just figure its part of the car's personality.... for better or worse. Time will tell.

If that is the worst problem I ever have with my awesome little MC I'll be a really REALLY happy camper.

 

Agreed. This is the ONLY thing "wrong" with my car (except a very slightly mushroomed strut tower but the only reason that bothers me is because I know it's there). I don't even hear the noise unless I make a conscious effort to focus on it. I suppose these R50/53's have their quirky imperfections, which in fact, make the car perfect! Much like an NA miata I used to own. I like the feeling of driving a car, and NOT an appliance, hence why I sold my BMW 335i after a few months of ownership

How many miles are on your car by the way?

 

Haha trust me, I felt insane when I just got my MCS... Between the idle S/C noises, the serpentine belt, valves, flywheel chatter, and power steering pump noise, I thought I ended up buying a Lemon. =P

Turns out everything so far is normal. I need to replace the belts since they squeak a tiny bit on a cold start, but are fine at temperature. The flywheel chatter is really what had me going. Its more noticeable to me on the passenger side though and it was going away with the clutch depressed. I can't hear anything once the car is in gear except for the power steering pump in my apartment complex and the S/C elsewhere. :D

My A/C was also making fun noises until I replaced my cabin air filter from the nest of grass that had fallen atop it. -.-

OH, almost forgot about the upper dash rattle that's driving me insane too!

 

Ditto on my belts. They squeal on a cold start, especially when its recently rained or humid.

 

Oh and you live in Florida so you get to enjoy that a lot! Of course this Central US "Dust Bowl" isn't helping at all... hot, humid, and downright miserable. Its hot enough that I feel a substantial difference in my car's power between the early morning and afternoon commute

 

"The noise is only audible when under significant throttle (50% or greater) and the RPMs are low. For example, at 20 mph and in 4th gear, at 50% throttle."

You shouldn't be in 4th gear going 20. That's like starting in third. It's probably your engine chattering because it's bogging down. Not sure if that's the correct terminology but you get the idea... The mini doesn't really have the torque for that kind of business.

Try keeping it above 1,800 rpms and I'd be surprised if you ever heard it.

And BTW, I solved my dash rattle sound by jamming a napkin in between the bottom of the steering column and the plastic around it. Doesn't look pro but it keeps it silent.

 

Update: I noticed one of the tabs on my air filter box lid was broken, and after I replaced the lid the noise subsided significantly. I also changed the leaking oem motor mount and that helped too!

 

Hey, I've been having a similar sound under acceleration in my drivetrain. I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure it out! Replaced both cv axels and wheel bearings. No change, the sound is still there! Does anyone have any ideas?

 

It could still be the hydraulic damper on the tensioner (though I may be wrong). I just FINALLY got my new tensioner/idler pulley in and redid my belt! No more squeaky squeak or strange noises. My tensioner was starting to make "farting" noises under acceleration at low revs so maybe that's it?

Are you sure its not just flywheel chatter (pushing clutch in at idle makes it go away etc.)?

My exhaust bracket is rattling a little bit as well but I only hear that actually rattle when I'm coming down from above 3-4k revs. Check for a loose airbox bolt, worn out engine mounts, etc as well.

 

+1 QUIT LUGGING YOUR ENGINE!! its a 1.6 not a big american V8 it needs to rev

 

Lol I'm not lugging it. It can be heard under normal acceleration as well in the lower RPM range. Was told by the dealer this is standard noise for the R50 drive train.

 

I never answered your question about how many miles my 2005 MC has.... I'm at 135k and climbing happily.

I have found that most of the advice here is right... I dont "lug" the engine as much as I might have in the past, I'm less heavy on the throttle unless I downshift to gain speed (to keep the throttle under 50% in too-high a gear) and I never hear the noise anymore.

So, I treat it more like a race-car, and it seems happier. ... which makes me happier too I guess.

 

I solved my dash rattles with this fix: http://www.soopercooperinfo.com/Dashrattlecure.html

works like a charm for $4 and can be bought at any ace hardware.

 

That may be it. When I push in the clutch, the noise goes away.

 

Mine used to make a chirpping at start up it.was the idler pulley and i don't know if I've ever had mine below 30 in second gear let alone fourth? I get a slight lifter rattle upon start up and once i had.to put regular unleaded gasoline in.it.because i was empty and my.fuel stop.was.out of premium. It sounded like it was coming apart from the gas clatter. Bogging the motor like That will make one clatter i am.surprised it.doesn't die when you do.that.

 

Mine really sounds like it's coming from the drive train. It seems to resonate out to the drivers side axel are. I only notice the sound in second and third gear when taking off on a grade or immediately after making a sharp turn and accelerating, again in the low gears. Is it possible that the torsion mount on the tranny is bad and the movement of the engine/drivetrain is putting a strain on the final drive where the axel slides into the transmission? I am still pulling my hair out. The mount looks good to the eye and does not to appear to be loose, however I have read threads that others have had similar issues and could not visually determin a bad mount until replacing it. Is that possible?

 

Taking off in 2nd or 3rd on a GRADE??

 

Yeah, I can sometimes make it happen on a flat take off, but it seems more prominent when there is more of a strain on the car. If it helps, I'm not lugging it either, but the sound is akin to a scratchy dieseling sound.

 

Why not just use first? Youve got it for a reason.

 

Oh yeah, I'm using it, it's just being persnickity to me I guess!

 

I just dont understand the "my engine makes noises in high gears at low speeds/taking off in a high gear" complaint I seem to be perceiving here...mayble its just me but if your car makes odd noises when doing this, I interpret it as the car telling you its a bad idea and to stop it.