transaxle rattle?

[callmethewander]

i thought is was my exhaust, but i have a definite rattle coming from the rear transaxle, it stops when i disengage the clutch, any ideas? it's an '88 944S. i also smelled gas several times on my drive today, where should i look?
thx, jc

[SoCal Driver]

If someone installed any speakers or other items in the cargo area and drilled holes through the bed then the gas tank has the same holes in it. If not the gas tanks have a tendency to crack on the top along some structural folds.

Also check your fuel rail fittings and hoses.

[onZedge]

...and the vapor canister and hose...

[callmethewander]

thanks, any idea about the tranny noise?

[sasquatch]

Normal. They get noisy in neutral with the clutch out as they age. Every 924/944 based car I had did this.

[onZedge]

Tranny noise could also be a bad torque tube bearing, loose union between the drveshaft and transaxle, loose exhaust component. I have the same symptoms with mine. Started right after I had the clutch replaced. Loose muffler heat shield was a BIG rattle. Now I just have the little rattle exactly as you describe.

[callmethewander]

yes, but was it in neutral with the engine idleing only with the clutch engaged, there's only 78,000 mis. on the car! it seems something must be wrong or worn to make noise like that.

[EMBPilot]

ive started a thread about this, and discussed this in some pretty lengthy detail over at rennlist.

My tranny, "rattles" like yours, its a high pitched squeaky rattle that shows up once the drive train has been warmed up, and while the car is sitting idle in neutral. once the clutch is fully depressed the noise goes away.

I have an extra TT in the basement that i may rebuild and install once my car needs a clutch until then it will sit down there.

another theory i read over at Rennlist was that it could be 'the fifth gear' rattling. not sure what that is.

[VINMAN]

Check your lube level in the tranny.

[callmethewander]

will do Vinny, thx, Kevin and all i'll go look for that thread