Strange ticking sound from clutch/tranny?

PeteBrown · 07-14-2003, 07:39 AM

On my way home from Mid-Ohio yesterday, I noticed that when I coasted in gear I could hear a strange ticking noise that's related to speed (faster ticks with higher speed). Under accerlation I could not hear the noise (I have a loud pipe) and when I pushed in the clutch the noise went away. My car is an '87 911 with about 68,000 miles on it with the original clutch. No problems shifting and no slipping.

Any thoughts?
throw-out berring starting to go?

Thanks

Randy Webb · 07-14-2003, 09:08 AM

That could be an Al Queda sleeper cell in your tranny?

Seriously, I dunno but I think that's common for the CV joints.
Have you put the car on a hoist and spun the wheels by hand? with the tranny in 5th?

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

I get a very similar noise from my '85, only in first gear. It's actually very noticable, but does not affect performance in any way. My wrench says it's very common in these cars, but who knows if that's a polite brush off.

anyone else?

PeteBrown · 07-14-2003, 12:46 PM

Randy what does spinning the wheels in 5th do? Can you actuall turn the wheels while off the ground and in gear?

My guess is that at a higher gear, the wheels have a more difficult time turning the engine and therefore you have a better chance identifiying a drivetrain problem.

thanks

Randy Webb · 07-14-2003, 03:00 PM

easier to turn the wheels in 5th. Try it and listen for clicks.

Schrup · Schrup's Garage

I also notice a click on smooth roads at low speeds, & noted it stops if I turn off the ignition & coast. I thought it was my fuel pump.

It sounds like it's coming from the front of the car.

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

If I shut down the engine while rolling with the clutch in, I still hear the clicking. If the car is in neutral, no clicking.

........discuss....

Stuttgart951 · 07-14-2003, 06:34 PM

I think its a G50 noise. I hear exactly 'what' you describe exactly 'when' you describe it happening.

Ive been told its the just 'normal noisy G-50 transmision.'

Stuttgart951 · 07-14-2003, 06:35 PM

jbripps, your issue sounds more like it could be a CV join needed grease or replacement.

Noel · 07-15-2003, 03:45 AM

Pete, wait to see if it gets worse. BTW, are you running at Nelson in Sept?

Noel

PeteBrown · 07-17-2003, 08:09 AM

Well, I took the car out last night for a ride and listened closely to the noise. At first there was no noise for the initial .25 mile. Then, it returned. The noise is more of a chatter than a click and occurs at all times when the clutch is not engaged. Upon recomendation of my mechanic, he said see if the noise goes away by putting pressure on the clutch but not fully depressing it. Sure enough, if I press the clutch pedal down a quarter inch the noise goes away.

My guess is still the throwout bearing. Any thoughts?

thanks

Noel · 07-17-2003, 09:01 AM

What you describe is the classic test for a bad throw-out bearing. I'm not sure that it requires immediate replacement though. What is the worse case senerio here? Anyone? Could you loose the clutch eventually?

Noel