Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Noise from rear when braking

In the last week or so I've been getting a low level but very audible short 'popping' sound when braking, about 20-50% of the time. The noise appears to come from the rear and when having it checked out by my local Morgan garage, the noise closely resembles the sound produced by moving the rear wheel on its end bearing play. As such, this has for the moment been put down as a Morgan characteristic.

Has anyone else had this experience? I would be very grateful for any suggestions that may lead to a solution.

Thanks

Keith

2010 Plus 4

Exhaust overrun noise, maybe? Unburnt fuel 'popping' in the exhaust? My friend commented on it when she was a passenger in mine.

Just a thought.

But you don't get it when changing from accelerate to overrun?

Stupid question, but are your wheels done up tight?

Hence my question
I'm assuming centre-locks of course...

Thanks all,


It isn't the exhaust and I would be surprised if it was a centre wheel nut but I will have a check for this myself. Since no one has commented on the 'normal' rear axle end bearing play, I doubt if this leaps out as a possible cause? This was suggested by my Morgan garage. The problem I have with this is: it's just started to happen; it can't be 'normal' - even for a Morgan?

My front discs are corroded more than I would like, the right quite a bit more than left. They are still sound otherwise and very effective but there is a firm pull to the left. Apparently when I was a lad my fathers' advice about gentle braking hasn't been helpful on this occasion. Could this contribute to the noise problem? I know how difficult it is to discuss Morgan noises - I've had it ramped and well checked and feel reasonably happy that no major problem is imminent. I've also checked all the nooks and crannies for rolling screw drivers etc, and had 3 different opinions on the noise location. (Ears wear out too!)

However, although perhaps I should forget about it (like the squeaks and creaks we all come to love and respect), it is an annoyance which I would like to nail.

Thanks once again.

Keith

[quote=Hoggy]In the last week or so I've been getting a low level but very audible short 'popping' sound when braking, about 20-50% of the time. The noise appears to come from the rear.

Drive more slowly, don`t brake so hard, cut down on the beans & cabbages and check for skidmarks!

My point Keith is that it could be wear in the splined drive. This can give you a knock sound when accelerating/decelerating/braking...
However, this may not be your problem. Once heard, never forgotten.

Any likely end play shouldn't make any noise at all unless it's hanging off!

If it only makes a noise when braking then it's something caused by the wheel rotation or moving parts of the brake system or as G says worn splines which clonk with power on/off.

First thing is to decide if it's front or rear I think! Can't think of anything likely to cause a 'popping' noise though, most are grindy, clicky noises caused by things like stones behind back plates or spring retainers come loose etc..

Hi Keith. Worth doing a quick check to see if your axle u bolts are tight.