'Newby' rattles/buzz query & clutch

[Steveo]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen

I'm a new and moderately proud owner of a 1998 406 saloon Executive 2.1 TD 110 bhp with 151,000 miles on clock.

I do like a lot about the car, particularly its comfort, but what drives me mad is the array of interior creaks/rattles/buzzes that appear whilst on the move.

I get different ones appear at different revs (and possibly speeds). I spent an entire morning the other day taking off one of the door trims to find one of the most annoying rattles, and packed things out with loads of grease, packed out with felt pads etc., but to no avail, it's still there. I now shake open door hard and there's no sound, and yet a rattle appears at certain revs. Noises tend to come from top of front dash, front doors and around rear parcel shelf. They often disappear as revs change.

Anyway, I wondered if replacing the engine (& gearbox?) mounting rubbers or similar might address all these noises...? Your advice on this would be much appreciated.... Is it a long/difficult job? How many mounts etc.?

Also the clutch isn't actually slipping, but there is very little bite or clutch lever travel, so changing gear has to be so precise as take away enjoyment of driving. Any idea how much a garage would charge for a new clutch, and are there particular clutch or spring type/manufacturers I should be specifying?

Many thanks

Regards

Steve

[lozz]

Hi & welcome to the forum.

Re: rattles ithink its common, them crap plastic clips are mainly to blaim ithink,

lower engine mount, there a pain to change, drive shaft out job,
or you couid change it in situe, but it involves cutting the old one out
Hack saw, and then persuading it out with a hammer and sharp pointed chizzel /old screwdriver, there around 10quid for a new bush,

[jonsowman]

Hi Steveo, also a 2.1TD owner who is irritated by rattling! Here are a few things that I've noticed that rattle and I've fixed:

- Passenger side seatbelt anchor. I tuck it between the centre console and the seat most of time and that shuts it up.
- Rear part of centre console is missing a bolt and is rattly. Pushing down gently on the plastic around the handbrake shuts this one up.
- Grey plastic trim over the pollen filter - clips are rubbish and make the plastic rattle at some engine/road speeds. Judicious use of cable ties and all is silent again.

Maybe that will help! Get some pics up of your 2.1 I'm very happy with mine, look after it and it will keep going for a long time yet.

On a sidenote, what are the symptoms of a failing/failed bottom engine mount? I'm pretty sure mine has never been changed...

[robb]

Hi Steve dont sweat I get worried when I havent any noises the most annoying one I have is the passenger side dashboard creaks in hot weather sorted by a strategically placed Smarties tube

[Steveo]

Hi Steve dont sweat I get worried when I havent any noises the most annoying one I have is the passenger side dashboard creaks in hot weather sorted by a strategically placed Smarties tube

Very funny and reassuring Rob!! I'll gave to get guzzling Smarties... I think I'll need a few tubes!

Cheers

Steve