Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 noises to expect

Not being yet a longterm user of the three wheeler i wanted to know what the "normal" and "abnormal" noises we should expect from this car. For every drive i have the impression to discover a new annoying noise coming either from the drivetrain,bevel box, squeaking of the chassis on something, brake pads, boot lid rattling and so on. I would love to drive and hear only the engine but then maybe this is all normal, getting used to this type of car :-) All impressions are welcome

You're going to hear everything. Just get used to it. Most modern cars are very well insulated for noise. The Morgan doesn't have a shred of that so that when you hear the drivetrain, you hear it all. Every component is practically in your face so If you didn't hear something I would be very surprised.

Eventually, you will find out what 'normal' is for your car.

Just watch out for the sounds where you automatically think "That can't be good!"

Sounds fairly normal! I noticed that one side of my front number plate was loose and rattling last night.

If you hear no noise from the thing, the thing is dead or you have lost your ears, so be happy anytime ...

Three years ago I brought a Caterham 7. Not too dissimilar from the raw driving experience of a 3W, I would have thought. The trip home from the dealer was about 80 miles. Noises? Ye gods, just what have I got here? Engine sounded lovely, but drive-train, body, suspension – I had never experienced so many initially worrying extraneous sounds, and they usually varied with successive journeys. But over time I got used to it and the car ran perfectly for two years. A year ago I bought the Morgan. The dealer told me to ignore the clonking, squeaking and flapping and enjoy it. From my experience with the Caterham I knew this. The Morgan (admittedly - as you see below – is not a 3W) is quiet luxury compared with the Caterham, and the noises have got less since I took off the side screens (I have 4 of them). As others have said here, it is all probably normal; try to ignore it and enjoy the car.

If its noisy and rattles you know you've still got it, if its quiet it may have fallen off!
I too don't know whats normal even after 1000 miles, every trip is different.

This is reassuring!

The 'wifes' new 'Defender' is full of Clunks and Clutch Snatch as she changes gear & it Rattles here and there after 2k miles.. Even the Radio is not loud enough to hide it.

Everyone says that is normal - "A bit Agricultural, aren't they"

This 'Passenger' is saying nothing as she 'Loves It'

Prepare to hear:
"What in the hell is that?"
"Did you build it yourself?"
"So, it's a kit car?"
"Is it a reproduction Morgan?"
"Is it front wheel drive?"
"Can we take a picture of it?"
"How much does one cost?"

I am sure there are a few others that I am missing, but be prepared to answer these questions a lot.

add:

"Is it practical?"
"Does it get good mileage?"

Variant I had on these conversations when an elderly gent saw me on the street with the three wheeler;

EG: "Is it a Morgan?"
Me: "yes"
EG: "Is it original?"
Me: "err, yes"
EG: "What year is it?"
Me: "It's an oh-12"
EG: "how wonderful to see these old things out being used" and then wanders off smiling happily...