Help with indentifying a noise AFTER the clutch pedal is released.
 

I’ve searched around the site and I’m leaning towards this being a pilot bearing lubrication issue, but wanted to see what the experts think. The noise is extremely faint (engine noise almost buries it), but it is there. As I release the clutch pedal there is no noise, right after full release (engagement?), a slight squeal is happening for approximately 1 second, then goes away. Does this sound like a lubrication issue? Can I lube it without dropping the engine? How do I get to it?

I have an 87 Coupe.

What is the clutch history? Has the fork been updated? Mileage on current clutch? Is the clutch pedal heavy (hard to depress)?

I don’t know much about the clutch history unfortunately. I bought the car a couple months ago from the second owner (who barely drove it). He bought it from an estate sale without any service history. The car has 95K miles and the pedal doesn’t seem too hard to depress, however a buddy of mine drove it and said it felt stiff (but he drives a Japanese car and has nothing to compare it to from a Porsche standpoint). The local shop has driven the car numerous times and hasn’t mentioned anything.

I’ve noticed that when the car is in neutral, and I simply press the clutch in and release it (without engaging a gear), there is a “click” that is felt and barely heard upon releasing the pedal (could this be the throw out bearing?).

Also, I just threw some 8’s on the rear and moved the 7’s up front, but this noise was apparent before the new wheels so I don’t think it is related (although the noise seems to have gotten a little louder since the new wheels were installed).

Your car is a model that requires a fairly involved update to the throw out bearing release fork, and if the clutch is original it's possible that the throw out bearing is pulling loose from the pressure plate. A heavy clutch is a symptom of the release fork getting ready to pack it in. If your noise is consistent you should take the car to the nearest, trusted P-car shop and let them listen to it, maybe with the car up on a hoist.

Will do! Thanks

The Pilot Bearing in an 87 is a sealed Bearing. So no Lubrication is possible on the pilot. 202SS or 202ZZ is the part number from any bearing house, just be sure to get the one with hard stainless steel seals for longevity. I just bought one for $8 from the local parts store.


But the Pilot would make noise continually while the clutch is depressed, and none when the clutch is released. The Release bearing (Throwout bearing) would make noise with the clutch released, but would shut up the instant you depressed the clutch pedal a bit.

I'm with Peter, this sounds more like a stuck throwout fork needle bearing issue. Which if it has not been updated, means dropping the transmission and engine

Richard