Questions and Answers

Clutch Noise Q. Hi, I'm hearing a screeching noise while releasing the clutch in first and reverse gear, sometimes in second gear too. But after engaging the gear I don't hear any noise..The dealer here says he has to remove the transmission to check for bearings in the clutch and the transmission shaft which would cost me at least $1000.00 to the maximum of $1800.00 if they have to replace the clutch assembly. What do you think is the problem?

What is the decent estimate to diagnose this problem and fix it? Please respond at your earliest convenience as I've to fix it ASAP.

Thanks,
Raj

A. It would have been helpful if you told me what kind of vehicle you had. The best I can do is give you some generalizations.

It is likely the noise is coming from the throw out bearing, although you would then hear the noise every time you depressed the clutch pedal. If it is a main shaft or input shaft bearing, then the transmission would have to be opened up to see what it is.

Most of the times a bearing will show little, if any, signs of being bad with a visual inspection. If you're going to open the transmission, the best thing to do is replace all the internal bearings.

You can try replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate and throw out bearing first. If that doesn't get rid of the noise then you have to go inside the transmission.

Cost depends on if it is front wheel or rear wheel drive. In general, it costs more to replace a clutch on a front wheel drive car.

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