Strange noise from Rear
 

Hi there, first thread.
Started up my 97 X300 (XJ 4.0 Sport) and sat there for a few seconds while I worked out how many failed bulbs there are in the heater panel and clock.
A few seconds later while still idling in Park there was a mechanical noise from behind me which I can only describe as "Roarp". Lasted half a second and stopped.
Went to the local supermarket and back and the car is fine.

I don't want to create problems where none exist but do failing fuel pumps make noises on startup ?
Or is there anything else at the rear that could make a mechanical noise while stationary.
Ta.

No, the fuel pump wont make noise. Sounds like the antenna motor. Does it go all the way up, and all the way down properly?

Hi Rod,

Welcome to the forum. Please be sure to post an intro in the New Member's Section when you get a chance.

The noise you heard in the rear end could certainly be related to the fuel pump. Another possibility could be the electrically-operated radio antenna/aerial, which extends after startup if the radio is on. Perhaps the mast is dirty, corroded or slightly bent and is sticking as it reaches its full extension. I can't think of anything else back there that moves until the transmission is moved into a forward or reverse gear.

Perhaps other members will chime in.

Cheers,

Don

Could be your fuel pump getting tired, another possibility is a seized up power aerial, they do make some horrendous groans when they've not seen lube in a while!!!

Radio Aerial, good call, a lot cheaper and easier.
I'll check it tomorrow.

I did change the aerial as one of the sections was sticking. Getting the sleeve out was proving difficult so I followed step 3 on the link and it worked a treat:
www.AntennaMastsRus.com

Hi Rod,

Is the noise gone now that you've replaced the aerial?

Cheers,

Don

Hi Don,
The alarming noise was a one-off event but in general the aerial struggled to rise and fall smoothly. It was old and I think some of the sections weren't quite fully straight anymore.
Anyway it seems happier now and I'll wait to see if the noise ever occurs again.
Rod