Pinging graunch noise when releasing clutch while shifting 1st-2nd or 3rd-2nd
 

I had a recording of this noise, but I'll be damned if I can find where the confuser has decided to store it...

Explains:

1986 S2, Euro, manual

When I start up and put the car in 1st there are no noises while the car isn't moving, when I shift to 2nd to speed up there's a teeth-on-edge tingtingtingskrrrkktingting that happens, and it only seems to happen to 2nd gear.

Could this be caused by using 2nd to start moving instead of 1st?
Maybe those springs in the middle of the clutch plate are only angry with 2nd?


Reading from Clutch Troubleshooting under "Abnormal Noises" these paragraphs mostly describe what I feel is going on:

"An operator reports hearing a scraping, clunking, or squeaking sound when the clutch pedal is moved up or down. This is a good sign of a worn or unlubricated clutch release mechanism. With the engine off, pump the pedal and listen for the sound. Once the source of the sound is located, you should clean, lubricate, or replace the parts as required.

Sounds produced from the clutch, when the clutch is initially ENGAGED, are generally due to friction disc problems, such as a worn clutch disc facing, which causes a metal-to-metal grinding sound. A rattling or a knocking sound may be produced by weak or broken clutch disc torsion springs. These sounds indicate problems that require the removal of the transmission and clutch assembly for repair"

If this is more towards a transmission problem, I wont lie, I'll be quite sad. But the noise really worries me.

Bumping this as I seem to be having the same issue in my '78

The sound being centered around shifting into 2nd makes me think transmission, as the clutch doesn't care which gear you are in. Also could be related to shift linkage.

100% the repair will not be reduced in cost by waiting.

I've had a closer listen and done some careful drives along a flat straight road and found that the noise happens on acceleration and deceleration in ANY gear, it's not changing gears that causes it.

So I think that narrows it down to springs on the clutch plate or somewhere in the suspension.

Going over speedbumps etc doesn't make any suspension noise though.

Check your axles.

Thanks Pete

Well, after replacing the fuel hoses I've taken the car for a run about to make sure all is well. And just in case, I invested in a small fire extinguisher >.<

Back to the point though.
While doing the engine stuff I decided to lift the front passenger side and give the suspension a good shake about, lo and behold the terrible creak went away! And then reappeared after 15mins, bugger.

I also remembered that the creak appeared after the car was lifted off the ground to have the WOF (safety) check done. So maybe the scientific route of lifting each corner and giving the springs and stuff a good shake and rattle followed by the obligatory 100km settle may provide a result.

Sorry about the waffle, just keeping a record of things tried.

Changed out the ball cup on the top of the clutch arm. The noise is gone!!

wow - glad you found out what it was - noises can be both maddening and difficult to find - i had a noise in the clutch area that i just could not figure out - turns out one of pressure plate bolts was slightly longer (less than a mm) than the rest and was just clicking on the starter bolt - never would have found it but that i got under there with the engine running and before i could turn on my trouble light i saw sparks - good work sticking with it