[MicraMike]

Nissan Micra 2000 (W) 1.3 GX 91K miles.

Hi,

I have a problem with my Micra that started last night. I was pulling away from some lights and a noise started just as I was about to change gear from 1st to 2nd - I was going about 15mph which I know is too long to leave to change up, could this have broken something? Since then I've had the same noise when just about to change up. I know nothing about cars but have been reading around and sounds similar to a timing chain problem? No problem when idle and no warning lights. Oil hasn't been changed for a long time.

If it is a timing chain problem what are my options? I've been reading costs to fix of £1200 which is more than the car is worth so wouldn't be doing that.

Thanks for reading, any advice much appreciated.

[dazid1]

Difficult without hearing it, normally the chain rattles all the time, why have you not changed the oil in a long time? you do tend to reap what you sow you know.

[MicraMike]

I know. To be honest I know nothing about cars, have had this about 18 months and never changed the oil. A family member has had a 98 Micra since 2001 and never changed the oil, and pretty much nothing has gone wrong with it.

I was only intending on running this one until the summer, any chance of it surviving?:confused:

Will sound stupid but if I change up early (ie. to 2nd at 8mph, to 3rd at 18mph ...) it doesn't make any abnormal noises, could this help?

Thanks for the reply.

[Hometune]

The timing chain and tensioner would benefit from new oil. Might be worth an oil change at a fast fit outlet for about £25-£30. Nothing to lose...

[MicraMike]

Thanks I'll try to get that done in the next couple of days. BTW, is there much chance of a breakdown with this problem? Should I still be using the car?

[MerseyPatrol]

It might be worth getting someone to remove the exhaust heatshield underneath the car. Looking at the bottom of were the gearstick is attached to the gear linkage you might find a snapped spring which I think is causing the rattle.

A simple test to see if this spring is broken is to shake the gear lever from left to right quickly.

If you hear the rattle then you know the spring is broken.

[MicraMike]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Originally Posted by MerseyPatrol

A simple test to see if this spring is broken is to shake the gear lever from left to right quickly.

If you hear the rattle then you know the spring is broken.

No rattle:(

[smudger]

Does this noise happen every time you change gear, or is it just when you are changing up? Might be worth getting up on a ramp so that you can give it a right good look over and check the gear box housing, good luck.
Cheers, Smudger.

[MicraMike]

Originally Posted by smudger879n

Does this noise happen every time you change gear, or is it just when you are changing up? Might be worth getting up on a ramp so that you can give it a right good look over and check the gear box housing, good luck.
Cheers, Smudger.

Hi smudger,

Maybe I haven't been clear - it's not when changing gear, but it's the speed in a certain gear. So when I get to about 10mph in 1st, then about 20mph in the 2nd. I change up and the noise goes away. So if I stayed in 2nd at 20mph it would be a constant noise (although haven't tested this!). Haven't noticed it in higher gears but that's because I've been changing up early.

Wouldn't be much point in me getting it up on a ramp - wouldn't know what I was looking at! Will have to put it in a garage.

[MicraMike]

Took it into a garage today, and the guy said it's the timing chain. Said it was a big job and something he doesn't really do. I'm going to get it back tomorrow.

Any advice on what my options are now? Doubt it's worth paying to get repaired, so disposal?

[MicraMike]

Just phoned Kwik Fit to see how much they would charge and they said they didn't do it and had never heard of it being a problem on a Micra. Grr.

[dazid1]

I would change the oil and run it for a while if it gets very loud stop using it and either get it repaired or get an engine for it that could be cheaper than 1200, where abouts are you?

[Hometune]

Local garage should be able to fit you a low mileage second hand engine for around £500.

[MicraMike]

Originally Posted by dazid1

I would change the oil and run it for a while if it gets very loud stop using it and either get it repaired or get an engine for it that could be cheaper than 1200, where abouts are you?

Newcastle.

What would happen if I kept running it?

Not sure it's worth fitting a new engine, it has some other problems that were advisory at the last MOT that I haven't had fixed. Think I could get a similar car for around £900 that might be a better option.

[L33UK]

Hi, I too have a 2000 Micra and I've got a similar problem. When I start the engine I get a rattle but it doesn't keep rattling, it'll rattle, then stop, then rattle again while the car it sitting idle with the engine ticking over. Also when it is rattling and I press the clutch down it stops rattling.

Micra has 100K miles on the clock. No idea when the oil was last changed as I only got the car a month ago but some receipts that came with it says it was done in 2007 but that's not to say the last owner didn't do it themselves since or something.

:(

[Hometune]

Sounds like the release bearing is loose or the clutch pressure plate is damaged. Either way, its a gearbox off job.