Howling noise in a 1990 Testarossa | FerrariChat
Buy

Howling noise in a 1990 Testarossa

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Rossa a nord di, Aug 3, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Rossa a nord di

    Rossa a nord di Karting

    Apr 30, 2008
    210
    Barrie, Ontario, Can
    Full Name:
    Brent Pilon
    #1 Rossa a nord di, Aug 3, 2008
    Hello
    I recently purchassed a 1990 testarossa with 39 000 miles. Due for a major service. Decided to tackle it myself with the help of a great mechanic friend.
    Drives great, but makes a howling noise in any gear while the throtle is depressed. Not while coasting.
    Put about 300 miles on it. Thought it might be normal. But the more I drove it and thought about it, I am sure that there is excessive noise. My 86'TR didn't make this noise.

    We think that because it only makes the noise while the throttle is being depressed that it is the differential.

    I know that this is a weak spot on them, but it seems like they just let go, not problems like this.

    Car drives great. Drained fluid. Clean gear oil no shavings that we can see.

    The engine is out of the car for the major. I would like to check the differential and was hoping for tips on what the noise could be, and how to address the problem.

    Can the differential be "easily" accessed, to examine and replace bearings, and can it be "easily adjusted.
    Any threads that you could point me to. Did a search but not very successful.

    Thanks. Brent.
     
  2. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

    Oct 29, 2004
    5,379
    NWA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #2 Artvonne, Aug 4, 2008
    I cant think of anyplace that comes to mind where "easy" and Ferrari" can be used in the same sentence. Oil level checking not excluded.

    If your not sure of the car, have someone who knows the car listen to it, drive it etc.. Catching it before it blows the differential side cover out of the case and destroys the ring and pinion will save you a small amount of money, even if all you have left is a core for the newer gearbox you want.
     
  3. FandLcars

    FandLcars F1 Rookie

    Aug 6, 2006
    3,057
    Tempe, Az
    Full Name:
    Rick Schumm
    #3 FandLcars, Aug 4, 2008
    Brent - Sorry I can't be of any direct help, but you might also try posting your question in the Boxers/TR/M Forum. Best of luck with the car!
     
  4. brettski

    brettski Formula 3

    Feb 29, 2004
    1,754
    north of toronto
    Full Name:
    brett swaykoski
    #4 brettski, Aug 6, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2008
    you've likely ruled out it having been a vacuum leak(i.e. intake mani.)early on, so what about an open throttle in neutral, sitting, not under load ?

    brett, www.granturismo.ca
     
  5. Rossa a nord di

    Rossa a nord di Karting

    Apr 30, 2008
    210
    Barrie, Ontario, Can
    Full Name:
    Brent Pilon
    #5 Rossa a nord di, Aug 6, 2008
    Thanks for the replies
    No noise when idling or when giving gas in neutral. Just on road and only when there is throttle.
    We are going to start looking into the gears and the diff.
    I have been searching for threads on the best way to do this. We have an owners manual but would like some advice on the best way to access the diff.
    Thanks. Brent
     
  6. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,073
    Pocono Sportscar
    Full Name:
    Jim McGee
    #6 Dr_ferrari, Aug 6, 2008
    DOES SOUND LIKE POSSIBLY A RING GEAR OR DROP GEAR PROBLEM. I WOULD SUGGEST GET SOMEONE IN YOUR AREA FAMILAR WITH THE CAR TO LISTEN AND CONFIRM BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE ENGINE FOR THE SERVICE.

    I SUPPOSE YOU DID CHECK THE GEAR OIL LEVEL...


    BEST REGARDS, JIM
     
  7. brettski

    brettski Formula 3

    Feb 29, 2004
    1,754
    north of toronto
    Full Name:
    brett swaykoski
    #7 brettski, Aug 7, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2008
    have you removed the oil sump pan yet or have you just drained the gear oil ? it's possible that actually seeing the bottom of the pan on the inside may yeild more info than just the drained oil itself. just a thought.

    ...and just to clarify for Jim above, you've already dropped the motor out of the car, right ?
     
  8. Rossa a nord di

    Rossa a nord di Karting

    Apr 30, 2008
    210
    Barrie, Ontario, Can
    Full Name:
    Brent Pilon
    #8 Rossa a nord di, Aug 7, 2008
    Hello
    Yeah, the motor has been dropped. My mechanic friend is very confident that the noise is a bearing in the gears or differential.
    We have not dropped the engine oil pan because we did not think that this would yield any new info, but we are slowly taking the engine apart to look at the gears and differential.
    So far, have removed the exhaust, will be removing the side pan of the gear box later this week.
    Thanks for the replies.
    Brent.
     
  9. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    20,081
    The Cold North
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #9 tbakowsky, Aug 7, 2008
    Remove the bell housing, clutch and flywheel. Support rear of engine with a jack stand, and remove the rear most engine mounts. Pull out the driving shaft. You can now remove the rear trans cover plate. You may have to remove a couple of the mounting studs to remove the cover completely if the engine is still in the cradle. Once removed you will see an oil slinger, remove that and the diff is right there in front of you. You can even pull it out if you want by removing the side covers. If your this far into it, might as well replace the unit. Get the one from modena engineering out of Australia. Excellent unit and will out last the car.
     

Share This Page