Very odd clutch(?) chirping noise
 

Hey guys,

I've noticed this noise is getting louder. Not sure what it is :( when I press the clutch pedal in, the noise stops. When I release it, the noise comes back. Initially I thought torque tube bearings, but could it be the clutch throw out bearing? Anyone have a similar problem? Note due to the phone microphone it is MUCH louder in the recording for some reason. It can only be heard when stopped / not driving, meaning it goes away above 2k rpm. Any ideas?


Video

I can't watch your video due to file type, but from your description I would guess throw out bearing.

Ah, now if it is the throw out bearing (which I believe it is because it's coming from up front) how critical is it to replace it as soon as possible? In other words, do I have time? Given that I am planning to do the torque tube, should I just knuckle and decide to do the the clutch as well? (Not sure of the service history on the clutch but it HAD to have some work given that the car is now over 184,000 miles)

If you are going to "do the Torque Tube", assuming you mean rebuild it, and you don't have service history on the clutch, I would replace the clutch and throw out bearing along with all the other bits associated with the clutch.

My $.02

AJ

If you are already taking the torque tube out, why not go just a little bit further and do the whole clutch. A few more steps. You are already taking out the big parts (dropping the exhaust, transmission, and the tube will be out of the way), you'd probably regret it in a few years, at most, that you didn't do the whole clutch. The clutch MAY be original. Mine was when I replaced my clutch at 206,000 miles (date stamped was november 7?, 1984 on the rubber clutch)

Normally a tired throwout bearing makes noise with your foot on the clutch not off. Is the noise the same with the car in neutral and idling as in gear and driving? I'm thinking torque tube bearing.

The throwout bearing is engaged when the clutch pedal is pushed in, and is not engaged while moving in gear. It would chirp while the clutch is pushed in.

How old is your clutch? Sounds like the old rubber centred clutch is worn out...they can chirp...

I believe that you're looking at pulling the drive system apart regardless. WYIT (while you're in there) applies here. I've always believed, as "The Kidd" mentioned, when you take a major part of the car apart to get at something, replace everything else you have access to, if they are predictable wear components such as clutch, rod bearings, front engine seals, etc.

Disagree with dodger and ckelly. These bearings can and do squeak unloaded and quiet down loaded (clutch depressed).

Definitely TOB.

Okay, so basically I'm looking at doing the clutch along with the torque tube bearings that I was planning to replace. I am also aware of the nub at the end of the torque tube and I have another shaft to replace the one in my car if it is bad. Also looking at master and slave cylinder for clutch. I can't really be mad because this car has done a lot of miles, especially according to how the average person views mileage (my friend told me he didn't want a car over 100,000 because it would be "worn out" and useless. Apparently he hasn't heard of maintenance and replacement parts, eh?)

could be clutch chatter if it has an upgraded clutch.... if not everyone has hit the nail on the head...