Technical Having some serious bad luck with my Multipla...any advice???

[multiplani]

Hi folks, not been on for a good while due to being too busy...but need some advice...

Ok so my first Multipla (2003 115 sx jtd) has been plagued with niggles which I've sorted through, but a a few months back I started noticing a serious knocking/rattling...sounded like a big hollow heavy metal knocking/rattling type noise...when I hit the accelerator, braked, put the clutch in, turned ignition on and off, and when going over bumps...

I was concerned (sounded like a something big loose) so had the local mechanic look at it. He said it was all ok but I dont trust him and wasnt convinced he even bothered to do much looking so got under myself and wiggled and shook at everything but nothing seemed out of sorts...certainly not to justify such a serious sound...

Any way last week, pulled out of my street and 'boom'...whole car started shuddering and knocking...pulled in, called recovery...turned out to be the front gearbox mount on passenger side had catastrophically failed...gearbox had dropped considerably and was resting on other components...luckily I only had to drive about 6 feet to park up.

Turns out they are cast alloy on my car but managed to source a s/h steel one from a 2001 multipla which the mechanic fitted as I was moving house...

Got car back and it was knock free...so I thought...great all sorted...that was the problem then...

But today...same noise reappearing and the replacement mount looks ok to me...I mean its exactly the same fitment only in a steel casing...

So I'm lost as to whats causing this noise and need to sort it myself as the budget is ultra tight as I've just moved house.

Does anybody have any idea of where I should start looking? Or have you any experience with this issue...its a really heaving knocking and when switching ignition on and off it gives a heavy rattle like somethings loose, I can actually feel the knocking through the pedals when braking, accelerating, releasing clutch etc.

I'm lost? and its my first Multipla so just getting to grips with it.

 

[Snoo]

Well I'd check all the other mounts for a start. They may have been damaged when the other broke. It does sound like a mount with the engine shaking on start up.

 

[Devious]

Did you replace the bolts. I know it sounds nuts but the alloy ones are different to the steel ones....
Ta

 

[multiplani]

Did you replace the bolts. I know it sounds nuts but the alloy ones are different to the steel ones....
Ta

No, the mechanic just used the same bolts as the breakers mount didnt come with any. I've been flat out but going to get me my head under tomorrow for a real good look.

 

[Devious]

Mine Sheared about a month ago and had to replace the bolts as the yeald strength is slightly different I believe. (Could just be bull from my garage but I've used them for years and theyve never riped me off)
TA

 

[multiplani]

Had a look today...replaced mount seems ok and cant find anything else suspect.

Your lucky...I have 3 mechanics locally and they are all untrustworthy and very very expensive. Took the mechanic 9 minutes to replace (I stood and watched) and he charged me £47.00 labour!!!...and insisted on cash...all 3 of the local guys are the same.

Its just a nightmare not being able to buy a Haynes for this car as I can do stuff but am still learning really so always rely on a Haynes.

Seems to be one thing after another with this car...the handbrake cable snapped today!Ha!

 

[Devious]

Welcome to the multi. Im convinced that Ferrari race teams use the multi as practice for repairs as they're such a bugger.

Have a look in the Downloads section, im sure there's a workshop manual in there.
Ta

 

[momoe]

Where are you?

Happy to have a look if you're nearby.

 

[multiplani]

Thanks for your help and advice guys. I sourced the problem...top engine mount bolt was working loose so tightened it up and job done. The replacement gearbox mount seems to be holding up ok...but guess what...now the clutche has started shuddering and the horn has topped working!!! Jeepers creepers!!! i'll maybe end up a dab hand at the old DIY auto repair if I keep going at this rate.

I'm going to start 2 new threads on these problems rather than continue on this one to avoid causing confusion.

Cheers!!!

 

[Devious]

Good Job
Do you know when the Clutch was replaced last?
Check the connections to the horn, they get gummed up and cruddy, could maybe just do with a clean up. :slayer:
Ta

 

[multiplani]

Not sure when clutch was replaced, although think it was done in the year before I bought it. Car came with a stack of receipts...somebody had spent a lot of money on it in the last few years before we bought it. But we have only owned it about 6 months and its non stop problem after problem...although it always starts and drives.

Theres only 79000 miles on it and we have put about 4000 of those miles on it since buying so you would think it should still have plenty of life left in it.

I'll stick the clutch issue into a new thread with more detail for you guys.