Couple of drive train questions

[Almichie]

Soooo, I've had my '99 3200 gt for 2 weeks now and I'm really enjoying it. I have noticed some noise when lifting off the throttle and re applying - it's a noticeable clunk. Researching it there appears it could be the common drive train shunt but I feel this maybe more? It's there all the time - every time you come off throttle and again when reapplied. You can't feel it, it's just a noise. Is there anything I can lookat before booking it in?

I also have a noise from the front offside - I get a click/clunk when driving onto my drive where there s a slight bump up a low level cub (typical new build house drive). I suspect a bush/ball joint?

Many thanks in advance, al

 

[allandwf]

Engine mount maybe? Mine shunts but at low speed usualy 1st gear 2nd gear stuff in town, but usualy down to driving technique or lack of lol.It's not a clunk though.

 

[saintetienne]

Sounds like it could be worth checking your anti roll bar link on that side .

As Allan above I am certainly aware of the drive shunt - you get used to it and drive to ease it , must say I can reduce it a lot after my throttle body was sorted !

 

[Almichie]

Probably is a little to do with driving style! ...still getting used to the throttle response - how does the contact-less compare? More or less sensitive?

I'll take a look at the drop links next weekend and get the other bits checked over - just to make sure.

 

[saintetienne]

Probably is a little to do with driving style! ...still getting used to the throttle response - how does the contact-less compare? More or less sensitive?

I'll take a look at the drop links next weekend and get the other bits checked over - just to make sure.

or in my case lack of style !

contact-less is much more progressive , the old one (albeit failing) was a bit of an on/off switch

 

[davy83]

The clunk from the suspension could be the lower ball joint, these only last about 20k miles, and unfortunately thats front and rear. worth a look, its not a cheap fix either as you have to replace the whole suspension arm to change it out. I would agree you shouldn't get a clunk going on/off the gas pedal, my 2001 3200 does not do that.

 

[allandwf]

A throttle reset gets rid of some of the on/off trait. ECU narrows in the band if you don't regularily use full throttle, making it more sensitive.

 

[Rex B]

Hi

I agree with Davey you should get the front suspension Ball joints checked as this a common problem. The drive train shunt I'm afraid just part of a 3200, some cars are better than others and its more of a problem in 1st and 2nd in manuals as the auto transmission masks the problem. Driving in traffic you learn to apply the throttle gentley and if you have had a contactorless throttlebody upgrade it seems to help to. I have also been told that year 2001 onwards cars with the ecu upgrade are better as the throttle is less sensitive.

Rex B
manual 3200

 

[Almichie]

Thanks for all the replies - in many ways this forum is very much like the mini scene... Lots of friendly helpful people.

I'll try and sweet talk a technician at the dick lovett open day to take a look. And if something needs replacing then so be it.

If the contact less throttle (body or pedal?) makes that much difference then I may just take the plunge and fit them prior to a failure. The history of the car shows it was replaced when it was four years old.

The joy of cars!!