Hi, my Vauxhall Cavalier 1.7TD has developed an annoying 'clicking' noise, seemingly from behind the dash on the drivers side. I have tried taking the panel off above the pedals and checking for any looseness, and checking the bulkhead from the engine compartment - everything seems to be alright. The noise does not seem to correspond to suspension or steering movement, its more of a tapping noise than a knocking, steering/suspension type noise. Has anyone else experienced this - it seems to be getting worse and the radio is having to be turned up slightly more as each day passes!
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Is the noise there when stationary with the engine running, or only when the car is moving?
It *could* be rev counter when stationary, or speedo cable if noise only present whilst moving.
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The noise only occurs when the car is moving. I have since noticed that, when rotating the steering wheel with the car stationary, a knocking noise can be heard as if there is a loose steering connection. I shall investigate this more thoroughly and report back - has anyone else had any problems with steering play on a (power assisted) Cavalier?
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Are you certain the clicking is coming from behind the dash? Maybe it's a worn CV joint. Lay down on the ground and have a look to see if the rubber boot is still intact. Also find a large empty car park and try driving around in circles antciclockwise and then clockwise. If a CV joint, the noise *should* be more pronounced when going one way or the other.
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sounds like speedo cable slightly bent where it enters the back of dash.they do tick and increase with speed.
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I agree with DD & Mech 1 that this is probably a speedo cable that is badly worn and will need replacing.
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Thanks for all your suggestions, I have now checked the CV joint gaiters and found them to be OK. I have never experienced a worn speedo cable and so am unsure what this would sound like, however the noise seems too 'heavy' to be something like a speedo cable and is not constant - annoyingly, it occurs intermittently and does not seem to be provoked by steering input or suspension movement (driving over speed humps, for example). I initially thought the dashboard itself may have broken a mounting, causing it to knock against the bulkhead, but the 'holding various parts of the dash whilst driving along' method has proved ineffective! It does however seem to be coming from just behind the dash, and I still suspect it may be a loose steering linkage. It is looking like I may have to take the dashboard apart for further investigation!
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you wont feel it while touching dash.I think they are inexpensive to buy so replacing would be the best option and the most likely.if you had a loose steering linkage you would notice play on steering wheel as it appears intermitant which steering problems wont be would suggest speedo cable is culprit.
I had it myself years ago.
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i had this ticking noise and it turned out to be the speedo cable
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