Clutch/ransmission noise

[DaveA]

I am having a problem with a 97 standard.I am having a growling noise from trans area when I pull in the clutch lever,just like a bad throwout bearing.It does it only in neutral and when changing gears.In neutral it is noticable when ideling and increases with engine rpm.As soon as I put it in gear with the clutch lever still in the noise stops.It does not make noise with the clutch out in gear or out.I removed clutch replaced bearing on lifter and still no change.Removed cluth again and disassembled and every thing looks good with the possible exception of the damper plate.None of the rivets are missing but if you try to rotate the halfs against each other there is slight movement.could this cause the noise.I dont want to put it back together till I can find the problem as the noise is quite loud.

[Valker]

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/#NOISE

[Ricky-D]

You are going to hear noise when the transmission is in neutral and the clutch engaged.  The reason is the transmission is turning every gear, every bearing without any loading on anything. 

It will growl and make all kind of rotational noises that will disappear, when you put it in gear. That reason it stops is because you have now stopped all the turning in the transmission.   Pulling in the clutch can stop the noise but not necessarily.

The noise is normal and nothing to be concerned about.

[DaveA]

It doesnt make the noise with clutch engaged,it makes with the clutch disengaged.And it just started doing it at 45,000 miles.Before it did not make this noise.

[Ricky-D]

Ok, I guess you can try to feel it with the clutch lever.

Very slowly move the clutch lever until the noise occurs and then again when the noise stops.

You should be able to feel/hear whats happening if you continue to perform the test and develop the correct touch and movement.

You will eventually be able to tell exactly whats turning. Probably be able to feel it in the lever.

if it's a bearing you should be able to discern that, hear it and feel it.

Just keep testing and go to school on the noise and feel.  You will be surprised exactly how well this will do for you to finding out.

I would also suggest trying to dope up the oil temporarily to see if it quiets the noise down. The oil should have no effect on the noise if it's the clutch.

Try elevating the front wheel a couple of feet and see if this has any affect. Do it with the rear wheel also.

There are many thing to do as you can see, to help determining what the problem is without taking stuff apart.

Maybe it is the clutch as you have said there is some slop.  You have to decide in the end!