nosiy bearing sound from tranny BUT DONT SUSPECT THROWOUT BEARING

[dwchesbro]

I have what sounds like a noisy throwout bearing im my '91 TSI talon FWD. When I bought the car, it had what sounded like a throwout bearing noise. Noisy in neutral, went away when clutch pushed in. Im pretty familair with this noise, replacing them, seemed like a no brainer. After replacing the clutch, throwout bearing, machining flywheel, I still have the same noise. Its definitely from the trans, not engine. Is intermittent, more common when car is cold. Still goes away when clutch is pushed in. Had trans apart when out, didnt notice anything suspicious.

 

[92redman]

When the clutch pedal is pushed in, nothing in the tranny is moving unless the car is moving. It could be any bearing in there, and there are like 5 or 6 tapered roller bearings, a couple normal roller bearings, and some needle bearings...Do you hear it when you are driving? Does it go away in a certain gear?

 

[dwchesbro]

The noise is still present when driving. It is most noticeable in first and second. I usually dont hear it above second, but that could possibly be because of road noise. When I had the trans apart, I inspected all of the bearings, and did replace one of the differential roller bearings because of burn marks. As much as it seems unlikely, I really suspect possibly another bad throwout bearing. It sounds so much like one. Most likely I will have to take it back apart. I just figured I would check if anyone else had a similiar problem that did not end up being a throwout bearing.

 

[leet]

I would be careful if you continue to drive it. Mine was making same noise, and decided to chuck a gear through the side on the way home from work last night.

 

[92redman]

I would think that if it were the throwout bearing, you would hear it when the clutch pedal is pushed in, because there is no load on it when you have the clutch pedal all the way out.

 

[FL_TSi]

Glad I looked here. I have the same EXACT issue in my 90 FWD TSi and thought it was the release bearing also, but the release bearing will only make noise when the pedal is pressed and ours is doing the complete opposite. I am looking into a tranny rebuild or gettign another tranny from someone, but let me know if you find what it is exactly and I will do likewise.

Peace
Jim

 

[dwchesbro]

Will do FL TSi

Someone mentioned to me that it might possible be the syncrhronizers between first and second are causing the noise. I understand the concept of synchronizers, but am by no means a m\t expert. I know that dsm m\t's are notorious for bad synchronizers, but I do not see how bad 1st and 2nd gear syncros would cause this rattle noise. I would be more likely to suspect the input shaft bearings.

 

[92redman]

If it were the synchronizer between first and second, the noise should go away when you put the tranny in first or second because it locks that to the gear. The synchros are splined to the input shaft so I don't see how they could make noise.

 

[leet]

I took my transmission apart this weekend. Turns out the failure was caused by one of the roller bearings for the center shaft. It completely failed, throwing metal fragments EVERYWHERE.

Before it failed however, it was making the same noise you are describing. Just something to think about...

 

[redX90]

I have a 92 TSI that I suspect has a similar problem on the center shaft. The reason I don't think it earlier is that the noise increases frequency as car speed increases, not RPM. If cutch is in, no more noise. On the FWD if the problem was with RPM only it would probably be isolated to the throwout bearing or input shaft area. If it was like mine it would be later in the tranny towards the front diff or on AWD the center shaft area.

 

[dwchesbro]

leet,
thanks for the advice. after talking to a couple people and looking at diagrams of the trans, i am stronly suspecting one of the input shaft bearings. the throwout bearing is ruled out, and becuase it does it in neutral sitting still, the only shaft really spinning in the trans is the input shaft. seems reasonable to me that it would have to be one of that shafts bearings. now i just have to get it apart and check it out.

 

[FL_TSi]

I have worked with transmissions before in the past and would like to save money now.
How hard is it to take the tranny out of the car and get to the input shaft bearing and just replace that?

 

[92redman]

It is pretty involved, you can't just take it out and replace the input bearing. The transmission must pretty much be completely disassembled to do that, except for the output shaft unless something on that needs to be replaced. When you replace anything in the tranny, you will have to remeasure clearances and get the proper shims or you will end up with the same problems a few hundred miles down the road. Make sure you have proper wear patterns on all the gears, no teeth chipped, look at all the bearings for unusual wear, look at the teeth on all the synchronizer parts too. If something is in questionable condition, it will probably fail and take everything out later.

Just my $.02

 

[FL_TSi]

OK. Just figured I would ask. More than I can handle right now.

 

[92redman]

Wasn't trying to discourage anybody from doing things themselves, just wanna make sure if you are gonna do something, do it right and not half-assed. It will save you time and money in the long run. Happy wrenching

 

[dwchesbro]

I second 92redman. It's not exactly an easy job. Most do it your selfers can manage to get the trans out. Taking it apart is much more involved. If you have very good mechanical knowledge but not necessarily any trans experience, and read up on it, you can do it.

 

[leet]

Yeah the actual internals of the transmission, are tricky to remember the order. If you have the time though, pick up a shop manual and go for it!

 

[Custom85Camaro]

Originally posted by dwchesbro
I have what sounds like a noisy throwout bearing im my '91 TSI talon FWD. When I bought the car, it had what sounded like a throwout bearing noise. Noisy in neutral, went away when clutch pushed in. Im pretty familair with this noise, replacing them, seemed like a no brainer. After replacing the clutch, throwout bearing, machining flywheel, I still have the same noise. Its definitely from the trans, not engine. Is intermittent, more common when car is cold. Still goes away when clutch is pushed in. Had trans apart when out, didnt notice anything suspicious.

I have the same problem with my 1997 Eclipse GS I havent took anything apart yet just wondering if there is anything i should look for on a 2nd Gen

Paul

 

[DeviantClipse]

alright i have that same problem and it seems like everyone does. BUT WHAT IS IT. is it the input or throw out bearing or what. i need to know cause my car is doin the same thing. doest affect the driving but its embarassing to see a nice car then hear that noise.

thanks

 

[slimdog25]

Well my car does the exact same. It makes the noise while in gear and while not in gear. The thing is that the noise will go away after 5 minutes of driving or the car is warmed up. Many have told me its the throwout bearing.

 

[dwchesbro]

Originally posted by slimdog25
Well my car does the exact same. It makes the noise while in gear and while not in gear. The thing is that the noise will go away after 5 minutes of driving or the car is warmed up. Many have told me its the throwout bearing.

deviantclipse, well just have to wait until one of us tears our trans apart. I will definitely be taking mine apart no later than xmas break. When I do figure out which bearing it is, I'll be sure to let everyone know. If this thread is gone I'll post a new one with the same title.