I think your gear box will have to come out, because I believe what you're hearing, is a damaged bearing....I can't recall if your car uses a pilot bearing, but I believe it does and that one would be a suspect.
Another of the bearing's that could cause the problem, is the clutch release bearing. If that has been over adjusted and is in constant contact with the pressure plate (clutch cover), it will give the symptoms you talk about.
As the box has been removed during the past, have you checked the gear box oil level?
If it's dry or the oil level very low, the gearbox input shaft bearing could be damaged.
I do not believe the noise has anything to do with the starter motor!
As the noise is obvious during idling, start the engine and while it's idling....With a very long screw driver, pin point the noise in this way.....Take off anything dangling from around your neck and don't wear loose clothing....Give your neighbors a treat, and if necessary.... remove anything that can get caught anywhere....
Take the long screw driver and place the business end in firm contact with the engine block behind the front of the bell housing, close to the starter motor and press your ear to the handle....You'll hear the noise....Now change the place to listen on top of the bell housing.....and then to the gear box side of the bell housing....If the noise is loudest in the front, then suspect the pilot bearing....Middle or top,...suspect the thrust bearing....With this one have someone press and release the clutch pedal while you listen for any changes in frequency ....Gear box side input bearing....
Once we know more about the problem, if you would like to tackle it yourself let me know and we'll go on from there....
Now put your shirt back on and wave to all your new friends....Best regards Johngee10
Thanks for the quick reply, Johngee10!
As soon as I get home from work, I'll try and pin point the noise.
Unfortunately i'm not much of a mechanic, I can do minor parts changing and maintanance. After that i'm forced to trust a repair shop! But I always feel like i'm getting ripped off, so i will just extend my knowledge and takle the problem myself, with your help of course!!
The gear box oil is fine, I checked that right off. A while back I was having some problems shifting, so the repair shop told me that my gear box seals were bad and my clutch needs changing. I had them replace the clutch, clutch cable and the seals. This took place about a year ago.
So, if it were to be the release bearing, wouldn't the noise be dependant upon clutch engagement?
Why do you think the noise goes away in higher gears?
Should I release some tension in the clutch cable and give that a try?
Do what I've suggested first and try to locate and pin point the sound.
The release bearing can sometimes make a noise even when not depressed....We'll take it from there....And this time make sure you're wearing a short sleeved shirt....
Best regards Johngee
Hi Jailer,
Just read through your reply again and have some questions.
What seals were gone?
Was the clutch slipping last year before the job, or were the changes just difficult?
How high does the clutch pedal have to be before the clutch engages?
Regards Johnhgee
Hi Johngee,
to answer your questions:
The seals on the axels were gone causing it to leak oil, also causing the gear changes to be very difficult, sometimes not possible at all. The mechanic told me he checked everything when he had it apart and couldn't find anything damaged. The clutch was not slipping but there was no room for any adjustment left on the clutch cable and I had to almost press the clutch through the floor board! So I was told it's time to replace the clutch. As of right now, I have to depress the clutch about 1/2 to 3/4 down before it engages, depending on how warmed up the engine is.
I did what you said and I'm sure the sound is loudest right where the starter is bolted.
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Hi Johngee,
I've pin pointed the noise, it's loudest right where there starter connects to the engine.
To answer your questions 1) I was told the seals on the axle were bad and leaking fluid.
2) Due to the fluid leak, it made the changes diffficult, the cluth was not slipping, there was just no more room for adjustment anymore.
3) Right now, I have to depress the clutch about half way before it engages.
I've also noticed that whae the car is idleing and making the noise, if I depress the clutch and take it out of gear, it slowly gets quieter until it's completely gone.
Jailer
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