Clutch or Transmission problem?

[97 TSI fwd]

Alright i have a 1997 eagle talon tsi fwd, the other day i was driving home when i suddenely heard a high pitched whining noise in 4th gear going 40mph while excellerating. As soon as i let off the gas the noise stopped (i was still in 4th gear) when i stepped on the gas again there was no more noise then about 20 sec. later that same noise came back. when i got home i drove slowly in front of the house in 1st gear (5-7 mph) this is the part that is scaring me it was then that i heard something metal clunking around inside the transmission area. Now this clunking sound can only be heard while the car is in gear and moving. When the car is in nutral and sitting still there is no noise. with the clutch pedal pushed down i can smoothly shift in 1st 2nd 3rd 4th and reverse, i CAN NOT for the life of me get into 5th even with the engine off it is like 5th gear is not there. From asking around most people have told me that it is inside the trans. Can anyone offer me some advise or possible know what could be wrong.

All drive train parts on my car are still stock, and it is not driven hard at all. i put about 50 mile a week on it and only drive it mon - friday. The car however does have 88,000 miles.

thanks for the help.

 

[wimploki]

It's a long shot, but it might be your throw out bearing. When was the last time you had your clutch replaced or serviced?

Good luck

 

[97 TSI fwd]

never it is all still stock. would the throwout bearing be making that clunking noise? it Really sounds like there are a couple pieces of metal in there.

 

[architechnik]

That sounds like it would be your transmission, as easy shifting would not indicate any problems with your clutch. You may want to check out your shifting mechanisms first, though. Follow the shifter cables to just under the intake and inspect to see that your shifter cables are operating correctly and that everything is still working on that end.

You may want to check that the shifter is in correct alignment as well. Under the center console, you can see if there is anything in the way or if a cable/link is broken or misaligned. Start with the most simple items first, then work your way to the transmission (the end all problem).

There is no simple way to diagnose a noise near the transmission, as there are so many things that are in that same area. It could even be a bolt rattling around, or it could be that the transmission bell housing has cracked or lost a bolt.

 

[97 TSI fwd]

all the cables are still in great shape and seems to be in alignment. I just took it around the block again i i was able to get it into fifth gear this time with no problems. however it did kick out of third gear on its own. and that clunking noise is still there.
I hate transmissions they are a huge pain.

 

[architechnik]

Did you check that all your trans to block bolts are torqued properly? It almost sounds like crank walk. *shudder* Have you noticed any difference in shifting while making turns?

Drain you trans fluid and see what condition it's in. Remove that plug and note how much "filings" were held on the magnet.

 

[anteversion]

absolutely no way it can be a throw out bearing. Thats your input shaft bearings or some gear bearings ( bearing between the input shaft and the gears themselves )

 

[97 TSI fwd]

All bolts appear to still be in place and all are still tight or atleast i can bunge them by hand. I'm really not sure what crank walk is but as as for shifting while turning i havent had anything different.