Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 New owner with a few beginner-level questions

Hello all.

I'm new to the forum and have a few beginner level questions.

We purchased a new 2013 demo model last month. We absolutely love the 3 wheeler and have almost put another 1000 miles on it (it had approx. 1200 on it when we purchased it). But, since we've had it I've replaced a torn/destroyed oil tank filler gasket and one tire tube that was damaged due to the factory not removing the wheel tag on the inside of the rim. The dealer has been responsive, and I suppose some of this is to be expected. When I went to register the 3 Wheeler it was the only one in the State so far...

Recently I've begun to get a rattle noise from the front right end occasionally while turning under power at slow speed. I've been trying to track it down, but without luck. I lifted it and checked the suspension and the only thing I could find was a very small amount of "play" in the right front steering linkage running to the installed dampener. It doesn't appear damaged or bent in any way, just allows for some vertical movement when grabbed and shook. Is this normal? Should I adjust the linkage? Was the comfort package perhaps not installed correctly on this unit? I don't appear to have play this on the left side linkage.

Also, I've searched, but I'm having trouble locating a good description of where to lubricate/grease the suspension. I had assumed it was like anything else, but it doesn't appear as though that is the case.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi and welcome...
Not sure exactly which part you are meaning but will take a guess that you are meaning that you have some play when you pull on the track rod which runs from the end of the steering rack to the steering arm on the upright. If so then it might be best to check that the Allen screw that connects the rose joint (rod-end bearing) of the track rod to the "comfort kit" cone and brackets are fully tightened. I don't know if there is a torque figure for it but pretty damn tight sums it up.
There's no grease points as such on the suspension though some of the comfort kit rose joints may have been the type that have a very small grease nipple on them.
Other possibility is that the brackets on the chassis that the front top wishbones mount to are wider apart than the length of the centre tubes of the wishbone and shock bushes so they tend to be tightened out of parallel and assorted clunks and rattles can result which are mainly audible at fairly low speeds - getting some washers in with the bushes to get the brackets back parallel then re-tightening can sort this out and reduces movement and fretting of the bushes.
Strangely it can also be a loose screw or two in the footwell holding the cladding on that covers the gearbox which is a lot less work to sort out.
Comes a point when ear plugs sort out most of the rattles!

The rattle you describe sounds famikar to me, traced to the body fixing bolt at front under cowling. You will need to remove the trianglar access plate (one each side) to make it easy to get on the nut that is at the extreme front of the footwell. As already mentioned there are the ones on the trim covers, best go around and check all fixings i guess.

All part of the fu really. Enjoy

Welcome to the forum. As it is only when turning, check the mudguard stay isn't touching the exhaust on full lock. As suggested, check tighten everything.

Enjoy

Thanks for all the suggestions!
We took it out last night and first thing I will check is Andymot's suggestion. Sounds further back in the car now, under/around the passengers (LHD) feet.

Welcome to the MTW sound theater!
There are more strange noises to come.

Sutton you might want to check the upper A frame inner mounting flanges for cracks. Please I don't want to be an alarmist but cases have been found and said to make a rattle.

Welcome Sutton's Burrow !
Bear in mind there is no sound deadening anywhere, and this is a very mechanical vehicle !
You tube this : The Marvelous Toy - Peter, Paul and Mary

'It went "Zip" when it moved, and "Bop" when it stopped,
And "Whirrr" when it stood still.
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.'

And keep a sense of humor ...

Tally Ho !

Welcome.

I find the easiest way to deal with noises from this wee beastie is to ignore them for a while and they'll soon be replaced by another one.....

I have a similar rattle. normally the left mud guard hits the exhuast and rattles when turning left at full lock.. and vice versa. However this rattle was doing the opposite.

I was getting a rattle on the left mud guard while turning right.

After a long time investigating I have discovered play in the tie rod.
It turns out the bearing seal at the end of the steering rack is dying. Under full lock the rod extends out and the vibration becomes worse.

Something to change when the engine comes out this winter.

Perhaps this explains your vibration...