knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

[Icarus]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Thanks Mr T- it does sound similar- pity the pictures don't show anymore..
.
I presume the clutch release bearing is inside the clutch??

[Thrumbleux]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Thanks Mr T- it does sound similar- pity the pictures don't show anymore..
.
I presume the clutch release bearing is inside the clutch??

It sits just outside of the clutch, between the clutch and the gearbox. The gearbox input shaft passes through it, so the gearbox has to be removed to access it. It is then the first of the clutch components to be removed. Usually it will stay on the shaft as the gearbox is removed and just pulls off.

[Mr T]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Sorry the piccies don't work any more.:redface:
Here is the clutch pack with the springs inverted.


& this is one of the offending straps that had snapped, allowing the pressure plate to wobble about, causing the knocking sound. When rev'd it held itself in place therefore no more knocking.
That's my theory anyway.

[Icarus]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Thanks for pics and everyone's input- can't ask for more- really grateful
Cheers

[Icarus]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Hi guys

we've had the gearbox out and replaced the clutch- found a similar problem on the forum - a band/ spring inside clutch housing was broken- used http://www.fq101.co.uk to replace the clutch- everything is back together BUT it won't start. It turns over but we think its electronically disabled. Its done funny things before and disabled itself but don't know how to get it going this time. Its definitely all back in the right order- have checked everything. sure its a silly Smart thing...any ideas??

[Mr T]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Hi Icarus,
glad you found the problem. Sounds like what happened to my clutch.:frown:

As to why it won't start, have you made sure you have plugged all the connectors back together properly? I've read somewhere about the crank position sensor being on the bell housing. Maybe that's got damaged or not plugged back in. If so, the engine probably won't fire as it doesn't know what position it's in.
Just an idea. :goodlk:

Well down btw for doing the work yourself, wish I had been in better health when mine went & done it myself. Good way to get to know your :silvertri.

Martin

[Icarus]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Success! Smartie is back running okay-
It was like Mr T said- the spring thing inside the clutch had snapped- and was causing the rattle/knocking-
putting the clutch is wasn't too bad but guess what- hubby forgot to put the crank sensor back on!! he swore it was all back together..but gentle persuasion to undo a few bits and check again did the trick - thanks to everyone for ideas- couldn't do it without all the Smart forums..in fact wouldn't have tackled changing the clutch ourselves if it hadn't been for instructions and pics from http://www.fq101.co.uk its great now. (saved ourselves between £500-700 quoted by Smart garages

Cheers- I'm a happy bunny!

[Mr T]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Glad you got it sorted, knew it would be something simple.

[admiral1966]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

Hi,

Dont want to alarm you too much we have a smart fortwo pulse 2005, that is presently in an authorsided Mercedes dealership. Initially the car went in for an oil leak, oil seal replaced, garage said good as new however engine noisy.
Took car home leaked more than ever so back to garage we go, oh no they exclaim in horror, hole worn in timing cover then our problems really started.
Investigation reveals broken timing chain tensioner (plastic/teflon item) causing chain to wear hole in cover also turning the oil a nice silver colour. Metallic filings from camshaft wheel caused swarf damage to cylinder head camshaft bearings, camshaft, lower main bearings, piston bearings and 3 set of piston rings.

To date:-

1. Extimated labour in excess of 20 hrs- 105 NZ dollars an hr & GST
2. Parts from UK (genuine smart parts) alot cheaper than here - 560 UK pounds
3. Engine reconditioner costs - 815 NZ dollars & GST.

Will keep you all informed of total price, in the UK a replacement engine including fitting is less than a 1000 UK pounds.

Hope yours is not as serious, but be warned Mercedes dont give a hoot.

[Doasulikee]

Re: knocking or rattling under Smart fortwo 450

I'm betting it's the clutch. It sounds very similar to what I had happen & I ended up having a new clutch fitted.:goodlk:
Heres my tale, http://www.smartmaniacs.co.uk/forums...light=knocking

Hi

I am new to this site and seem to be having the same problem with my smart. I took it to Kwik fit this morning thinking it was an exhaust rattle, but the showed me that the noise is coming from the gear box area.

I am currently in dispute over a £350 invoice with my local garage for ripping me off because I am a woman and need to be armed with an exact description of the problem when approaching the next garage. The chap at Kwik fit used the following expression with which Google returned this thread: "clutch torque rattles".

Please would you give me a line or two to say when I phone up. Unfortunately, I cannot do the work myself as I am not confident in what I am doing.

Bottom line is I am tired of being ripped off!

[Thrumbleux]

It's time you found a garage you can trust. Either someone here can possibly point you in the direction of a smart independent or, in your own neighbourhood ask friends etc who they use.
Then take car to them for their opinion on whether it is a clutch problem. If so, print off the FQ101 'how to' and give to your new garage asking them to sort the clutch. No disrespect to KwikFit but they employ fitters not diagnostic mechanics - it's all about the pay grade. Forget quoting "clutch torque rattles'' - it's just nonsense.

[Ocracoke]

Mastertech in Droylesden is probably your closest independent and I've heard good things about them - I'd give them a call.

Kwik Fit... the last time I went there, it was to resolve a brake judder issue. They phoned me up about an hour after I dropped the car off saying that they couldn't find anything wrong so I told them again about the judder.. 10 mins later they phoned saying that they found it and they wanted to put some new brake discs on the car, which were easily overpriced.

[10:45PM]

clutch torque rattles

As already mentioned , this is just utter non-sense spoken to a lone woman , it's just a random collection of words

Please would you give me a line or two to say when I phone up!

How about "I'm taking it to someone who knows what they're talking about and doesn't bullshit a defenceless woman"

Take it to an independent smart specialist, travel if you have to.

Or as suggested find a competent garage who doesn't bullshit, ask friends for suggestions.

[Thrumbleux]

Please would you give me a line or two to say when I phone up. Unfortunately,
!

Be coofident, concise and professional - on the basis that you are discussing a matter that their profession is expert in.

I'd suggest: Hello, I wonder if you can help me. I believe my car has a clutch problem. Can you please have a look at it and give your opinion, and if there is a problem there, are you in a position to fix it?

Then shut up and listen to what they say and decide whether to proceed with them or not based on their response. If they respond to your questions positively and accurately, next is arrange a visit for diagnosis and booking in for repair if you feel they are capable and you trust them to do as they say. Get a quote for the work and an agreement that they contact you is there is any mission creep. If not, find another garage and repeat the process as often as necessary to find the right garage for you. Take no sh!t!