Fast Marina Magazine

Hello!
Bought my first Marina some days ago, but it have a whining sound.

It is worst between 60-70km/h, and almost dissapears over 70 (in the beginning it dissapeared completely).
Doesnt matter which gear, so not transmission.
When I release throtle, so car is rolling, there is no noise what so ever.

Do you think it is diff, UJ or centrebearing, or combinations?

Regards
Magne (Norway)

First thought, child or small animal in the boot, but as you say when free-wheeling it doesn't happen.

When you say "when I release the trottle", do you mean coasting in gear or out of gear?

If out of gear (neutral or with clutch depressed), then the gearbox, propshaft and rear axle are still turning at road speed, but the engine isn't, so look at the engine, could be something as simple as the fan belt tension needs tightening, if it is this it will often also do it whilst stationery and you rev the engine. Also, if a late car then the drive to the fan may be playing up (but unlikely). Anyone else have any ideas?

If coasting in gear (over-run) then I haven't got a clue - can any else come to Britax aid?

In gear, like when driving down a hill.

I was thinking about the UJ, as it can be worn on "one side" and then when Im not giving trottle the wheels will push it back.. but normally it would be making a banging/knocking noise.. not whine..

Firstly, grease the UJs - one may be dry. My Dad's car had an odd whine which ended up with the back axle being swapped out under warranty when it was actually a dry UJ - so much for pre-delivery checks! If it isn't that, check the diff oil and for backlash in the drive. Many axles whine a bit, it may be low oil or even the wrong grade (EP90). I have used a graphite grease in an axle before to quieten it down. (don't use sawdust though..... old joke!)

Thank you very much for helping!

Will try to grease the UJs and check oil level on diff.
EP90 is the correct grade, right?

This is not just a quiet whine, like the gearbox, it is pretty loud between 60-70km/h.

Hi Britax.

Does it do it at 60-70 kph in top only, or is it depending on what gear you are in?

I suspect its the crown wheel and pinion but it could be a number of different things. ie UJ's or one if the gears in the gearbox.

PS as mentioned above - don't use sawdust!!!!! Ha Ha Ha

Actually in the old days they used to use cork to quieten worn gearboxes but i wouldn't imagine it would last long!

Good luck, keep us posted.

Trev.

Doesn't matter if it is 3rd or 4th gear (havent tried reaching that speed in 2nd.. dont want to try either ).

I really dont think it is gearbox problem.

have you checked whether or not there is any oil left in the gearbox? Or if the oil is 20 years old it could be worse than useless

Hi Britax

Did you sort this out? The more I think about it the more I think that it could be the differential or the rear wheel bearings.

HI,
I also get this noise when;
1. Going out to garage for a few hours
2. Going down the pub for a few hours
3. When the kids want to stay up late

Tony

Jupp!
The diff!

Got a now used one, was good for 5000km, and now it too whine..
Well, got a new kit of bearings and a manual for changing them, with preloads and clearences..
Just waiting for the curage to do it! :roll:

Hi Britax,

I've had 3 Marina axles and 5 diff's over the years, I've found they are not very strong to start with and using one from a scrapyard means it has already been worn and so won't last long. I changed mine when they whined on load but not on overrun as it meant the gear teeth were worn. I've never had the courage to try to change the bearings in the diff as it seemed a waste of time.

I've changed over to a Dolomite axle, as its the same ratio as the Marina, the same wheel spacings and can take far more load, TR7 is I believe near the ratio. Its a lot sronger (so far taking 130bhp/lb ft) just needs the old mountings cut off and new ones made to suit the marina springs. 'Greystoke' used a Lada axle with similar power going through it and being seriously rallied.

Best of luck - Brian