Miata Mailing List: January 1996, Message #60
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   From: Scott Buck 
Subject: RE: Strange tapping noise
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 11:45:16 -0500


I had my '94 in last week for the exact same problem.  The mechanics claimed 
there was no noise.  UNTIL I took one for a ride! They're taking a look at 
it tomorrow morning so I'll let you know what the culprit is.  The tires 
were a possible cause but ruled out once the mechanic was told about the 
noise only happening under throttle.

scott,buck@network.com
Minneapolis
 ----------
From: miata
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Strange tapping noise
Date: Tuesday, January 02, 1996 12:50AM

Maybe some of the Miataphiles out there can help me with a problem that I've
discovered recently.  I have a '94 base with the steel wheels and a
relatively new set of D60A2s.  When my foot is on the throttle a strange
tapping sound comes from what sounds like (from the pilot's seat) the right
front wheel.  However it only happens when the car is under power.  If I 
lift
my foot off the gas, the sound stops.  If I put the clutch in and let the 
car
coast out of gear, the sound stops.  But put my foot back on the pedal and
nudge it the tiniest bit, and the sound returns.  The frequency of the
"tapping" doesn't change either.  Whether I'm crawling along in first or
cruising on the highway, the number of taps per minute (TPM?) seems to be
pretty constant.

I've eliminated my 2 month old Dunlops as possible suspects.  Since the 
sound
only happens when power is applied and at the same frequency regardless of
speed I think they are not the culprits.  But if not them, what?  The sound
is certainly coming from what sounds like the passenger front tire/wheel.
 And why only when power, even the slightest bit, is applied?

I'm sure there is somebody out there who has some sort of idea.

Mike Pablo
'94 Red base
Capitol Chapter