I have started hearing a noise when I press on the clutch. This happens when it is damp in the early mornings, before it gets hot. I recorded the noise so I could play it to the dealer, which I did when I took the car in and left it overnight. The technician listened to the noise and said it was faint and didn’t cause any mechanical problems and wouldn’t be under warranty, so they did nothing. I am concerned that the clutch will be damaged. What can I do to get this problem corrected so the clutch will work properly?
Hey there, a noise when pressing the clutch is generally tied to the throw out bearing or release bearing. It may be necessary to replace the throwout bearing and have the clutch assembly inspected while the transmission is out of the vehicle. If you want to have this taken care of, a certified professional from YourMechanic can inspect the noise and have this issue corrected.
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Whistling or whining from the clutch can be caused e.g. by the release bearing running off-center, an off-center input shaft, or a defective pilot bearing. On the other hand, rattling noises may be due to load alterations if clutch disks are furnished with preliminary dampers.
Worn Throw Out Bearing: If you notice the noise from your clutch when you release the pedal, chances are good that the throw out bearing is failing and will need to be replaced.
That`s the clutch release bearing causing the noise (happens when the clutch is pressed and goes away on releasing). The noise is not serious but it can be annoying in city traffic.
Noise under this condition indicates a worn release bearing or a worn pilot bearing. To isolate the two, keep the clutch pedal on the floor and shift the transmission into neutral. If the noise persists, the release bearing is bad. If the noise is gone, the pilot bearing is bad.
Your clutch system can produce a number of different noises. These are some of the common noises: Growls and Squeals: Noises like these are usually caused by worn release or pilot bearings. Chirping: Vibrations in the actuator system cause these noises, this is usually due to worn contact points on the pivot ball.
How long will a noisy clutch release bearing last? If your clutch is making unusual noises when you push the pedal down you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. A noisy clutch release bearing might last a hundred more miles, or it might not, but that isn`t a risk you should be willing to take.
Chatter is shaking or shuddering that is felt when the clutch is engaged. Chattering is evident while the clutch is being engaged and stops when the clutch is fully engaged. Clutch chatter is usually caused by contamination of the clutch disc friction surfaces.
It really boils down to your driving experience. Chatter usually happens as the clutch is engaging. It occurs when the pressure plate is alternatively grabbing and slipping the clutch disc, making the car shake as the engagement is occurring.
It is typical for drivers to hear a grinding or rattling sound when pressing down on the clutch pedal if the throw-out bearing is bad. These noises are concerning, but they could point toward other issues with your transmission or clutch, so a differential diagnosis is in order.
That said, it`s a really bad idea to drive with a worn clutch thrust bearing. Sooner or later it`s going to explode and do a lot of damage.
The average lifespan of a clutch is anywhere between 20,000 to 150,000 miles. Luckily, your clutch will likely give you ample notice that something is going wrong. Don`t get left at the side of the road with a vehicle that won`t shift into gear.
Use a low-pressure-type grease gun equipped with the recommended grease, and lubricate the bearing until excess grease purges from the rear of the release bearing (toward the transmission). Do not over-lubricate the clutch release bearing.
Most of the time, yours should get you anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles before you`ll need to replace it. If you want your clutch to last even longer than that predicted lifespan, try not to accelerate too harshly or drive the car too hard, as this can put extra stress on the system.
If you hear a whining or loud grinding sound coming from underneath your vehicle as you press the clutch pedal down to the floor, it may be caused by a throw out bearing that is damaged and need to be replaced.
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.
As a rule of thumb, the lifespan of a release bearing is 150,000 kilometres. If the clutch is used incorrectly as described above, this can drop to as little as 50,000 km.
The classic symptom of a worn throw-out bearing is a whirring or growling sound when applying the clutch pedal, which goes away when releasing the pedal. Premature wear of the throw-out bearing can occur when there is insufficient clutch play, resulting in a throw-out bearing that spins continuously.
A defective release bearing causes friction, which is why the noises usually sound scratchy or like grinding. If the defect is well advanced, you will notice the problem through so-called clutch slippage, i.e. the car does not accelerate properly even though you changed the gear and the engine speed increased.
A worn or damaged pilot bearing will make a whining or grinding noise. It will be very loud if the bearing is completely damaged. It occurs whenever the crankshaft and input shaft are rotating at different speeds.
Clutches are repaired or replaced on condition, not mileage. I have had four vehicles with clutches that I drove nearly 300,000 miles each without needing clutch repair or replacement. Learn how to properly use a clutch.
This legendary engine was essential for rally race wins and is famous for its distinguishable growl. Drivers have reported that the boxer four-cylinder can last up to 250,000 miles with proper care. On the other hand, pushing your WRX past its limits could wear out the engine at only 60,000 miles.