Driveline, trans or shifter rattle?

[Spdrcer34]

This is driving me NUTS.

Subject: 1992 X, 5spd


No matter what gear, or how fast I go I have this constant rattle or click noise. The speed in which it clicks is dependant on the speed I am traveling. Slow speed = slow click......

I have read other threads, and they said it was thier trans.

So I changed fluids. I added 2.8qts (5.6pints) of Pennzoil Synthetic Mercon III. EXACT same noise. I saw that "Lucas Oil" demo on the parts counter, and it says you can add it to your transmission? Think that's a good idea? I think it said it should be a 50% ratio....should I try it?

I read in another thread, that it could be my U-joints. I replaced them too. Both front and rear with some Hi-Perf. ones.......Still the same noise.

The more I hear it, it sounds like its actually coming from the SHIFTER. Is it possible? It has a very 'plastic' sound to it. Not so much a metal rattle, but more of a plastic rattle.......any ideas?

Ryan

 

[Brain]

Speedo cable
Speedo gears
Is it 4X? If so maybe the front hubs.

Are you pretty sure where it is coming from? Maybe use one of those cheap mechanics stethoscopes while running it on blocks (using a friend behind the controls) to narrow the location of the ticking.

I've never been a fan of additives - I tried Slick 50 and it reduced the friction so much that my engine wouldn't warm up to operating temp, so the heater wouldn't come on until I was where I was going.

 

[Spdrcer34]

It's a 2WD. No front locking hubs.

How do I grease a speedo cable and gears? How do I get to the them EASILY.


I am VERY certain of the location of the noise. I have actually removed the carpet for cleaning, and have access to the 'hole' where the shifter is.

I think I might have my wife drive, while I 'listen' with my mech. Stetho.

I don't care much for additives or 'mechanic in a can' solutions, but the way the oil travels up the top gear in that demo just might help my poor little Mazda 5 spd.

Ryan

 

[Spdrcer34]

What are the odds that it IS my speedo?

Anyone here experience a noisy speedo gear?

What rear-end ratio do I have? 1992 5spd XL

Ryan

 

[Spdrcer34]

Well, today I pulled the access panel around the shifter, and pulled the speedo cable, drove around the block..........NOISE GONE! Replaced the Speedo Cable, drove around the block.........sound came back. I'm gonna order a new speedo cable today. $13.50 from Schucks and that will fix THAT problem.

Now I just need to get my MIG welder out, and fix the Cat's heat shield.

Ryan

 

[Brain]

Glad to hear that it was the first thing on my list and I wasn't steering you in the wrong direction.

 

[Spdrcer34]

:fire: :fire: :fire: Okay, the $13.49 (Motormite/Dorman) cable was disco'd. The OTHER one available was $21.99 (Pioneer)

I swapped out the cable, pretty straight forward.

I HAVE THE SAME F'N CLICKING!

Ryan

 

[cjbarron5]

is it possibly the speedo head(i.e the speedometer its self? wish i could help more but with out hearing it my self somethings are just real hard to trouble shoot "over the phone"

 

[Spdrcer34]

It is DEFNITLY coming from the trans/shifter area. I drove around with the access plate removed and could hear it PERFECTLY.

Ryan