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suggestions re: driveline noise after clutch upgrade? Posted by geoguy [Email] (#711) [Profile/Gallery] (more from geoguy) on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:38:16 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Didn't get any response on the regular board last week, so thought I would try here.
Upshot is that I had a Spec Stage 1 clutch kit installed by a dealer, at the same time the rear main seal was being replaced on my '97 9000CS. The car has 147,000 miles & both the clutch & rear main seal were original. I'm thinking of making this into a "hobby" car, hence the upgraded clutch.
Upon picking up the car after this work was performed, there was an obvious drivetrain noise that wasn't there previously. It is sort of a grinding or whining sound (more like "grrrrrrr", not a "clunking" noise), & can be heard in any gear but is most obvious at highway speeds in a higher gear. It is loudest when accelerating or deccelerating, & not so apparent with the drivetrain is under light load (e.g. cruising on level ground). The noise goes away if you step on the clutch pedal, regardless of the vehicle speed.
I turned around & went back to the dealership, but the mechanic who did the work (supposedly the dealer's best guy re: 9000's) was gone for the day. Another tech went for a drive with me (he did not seem particularly experienced with the 9000 model). He also heard the noise, said he thought it was the new throwout bearing, & I shouldn't worry unless it gets louder. We both agreed that the new clutch's engagement was pretty harsh (that has gotten better during the past 1,200 miles).
I think the noise is indeed getting louder. Went back to the dealer last week, & the service manager (who is knowledgeable about 9000's, & has rebuilt a few himself) also heard it right away but had no idea what it might be . . . although he disagreed with his employee's diagnosis of throwout bearing.
We're going to put it on a lift tomorrow, & run it in gear to see if we can hear where the noise originates from, but the service manager was skeptical that we would hear it (I guess I agree, particularly with no load on the driven wheels, but it seems like my best option).
Has anyone else encountered this type of noise? I'm hoping that the initially harsh engagements with the upgraded clutch haven't damaged something in the gearbox or transaxle.
Suggestions will be greatly appreciated, tia.
- Mark
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