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MG MGA - Ambient Temperature Rattles

I have often wondered whether the environmental temperature during home rebuilds effects rattles/squeaks etc in our cars. I did most of the major assembly of my car in the Autumn and Winter. This covers the period of body to chassis mating and onwards from there. Typical garage temperatures during this period would have been a high of about 15 and a low of -5.

This year's summer driving has been no exception to many long gone and I have always been aware of shakes and rattles. Well, the last few days have been back down to the season norm with the car resting in a garage that is back down to about 10. Hey presto, the car is once again lovely and tight.

Anyone else noticed anything similar?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Maybe your "earsight" improves dramatically in the summer Steve😊!
Colyn
Colyn Firth

A possibility Colyn. I think you can detect the temperature differences in other products. My last house was brand new when I bought it. It too was a winter build. It was always tighter with less creaks etc during that period. To me it's a simple case of the coefficients of expansion of the different materials used in a build. Everything is bolted and nailed together at the ambient temperature. Outside that temperature the materials expand and contract at different rates, resulting in creaks and groans as items strain against their fixings.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,
Were you born in the Winter?

I hope your own fastenings are not creaking!

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

70 two weeks ago. Nice and tight!
Steve Gyles

Steve

You are older than me. I am 70 'demain' (I am in Nice!)

Paul
Paul Dean

Steve,

If the car was built during the winter, wouldn't the various parts expand in the warmer weather resulting in a tighter fit, rather than looser?

Gene
Gene Gillam

This thread was discussed between 03/10/2016 and 08/10/2016

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