diagnose my noise! ?

[Henry]

in the continuing folly that is Cup ownership, i have noticed a new noise. joy.

it sounds engine/gear/clutch related and is only apparent whilst off-throttle. i know it's always difficult to describe peculiar noises, let alone offer a diagnosis over t'internet, but it sounds like a bearing spinning in its race to me - it's only faint but it's definitely there and seems speed related; as soon as the throttle is given the slightest touch, it's gone.

i'm just wondering if anyone has experienced the same and/or has an idea of what might be up - ?

many thanks!

 

[LeeJSA]

Does the noise disappear when you press the clutch pedal?

 

[davebem]

^As above, it could be the clutch release bearing.

 

[Henry]

it does disappear when depressing the clutch and i did wonder if it could be the release bearing (certainly sounds like a bearing spinning in its race).

are clutch release bearings available cheaply on their todd? presume it would be another g'box out job? (had a new g'box 3 months ago..)

any other ideas would be welcome too

 

[ditz]

i "think" dont quote me on this cos i've never tried but im sure if you were just pulling the release bearing off you could get away with just unbolting bell housing and engine mount poss lower ball joints and dragging the lot shafts and all over to the side
had some success like that on cars with alot less room than that when i've actually managed to change the clutch..
mgf for example theres a bar on the subframe to take off for access but to do that you need a hydrolastic suspension pump.
if you dont have one you get about 3/4 inches of room which is just enough

 

[davebem]

I think the bearing is only available with the clutch kit. Its nothing to worry about really, a lot of them do it. Just replace it when/if you ever replace the clutch.

 

[Henry]

^ i like the sound of that - thanks. in that case, i might ask a local specialist for a first hand opinion (to be sure it's nothing else) and then consider leaving it be until the gearbox breaks again.. (!)

ta