Author Topic: Squealing clutch (Read 1017 times)

fishbio · « **on:** April 25, 2005, 11:37:22 am »

Hello All,

I have a clutch (maybe transmission) question for the group. I have a 95 Subaru legacy whose clutch makes a light to moderate squealing sound. It makes the sound in neutral or in gear, and the squeal quits as soon as the clutch is depressed even just a little. I've had Subaru mechanincs listen to it and say they don't recognize it and not to worry about it. I find it hard to believe them. Any ideas?

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2005, 11:57:22 am »

What is the mileage?

fishbio · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2005, 12:07:17 pm »

I'm at 104,000 (miles), but Suburau replaced the clutch several times between 65-80K in an attempt to fix some other problems with the clutch and transmission. Each time the squeal would not exist when we intially go the car back, but within a couple thousand miles would begin to become audible again and would gradually become more pronounced.

articsteve · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:50:42 pm »

"Typically" it is the transmission input shaft bearing that can make noise until the clutch is engaged. Check and see if this part was ever replaced. It is located at the very front of the transmission, but behind the throw out bearing and throw out arm.

fishbio · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2005, 05:17:12 pm »

Thanks Articsteve, I appreciate the help.

That doesn't sound like good news. I'm going to have a non-dealer affiliated mechanic look at it. I'm great at changing my oil, but beyond that I'm a liability under the hood.

articsteve · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2005, 07:33:57 pm »

I did say "typically". It was just a comment. The part is actually nothing but a bearing easily replaced when the transmission is out.

Perhaps the transmission has never really aligned itself to the flywheel output and the bearing is worn.

Check your invoices to see if this part was installed back when Subaru were into the clutch.

maritime_storm · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2005, 04:36:57 am »

Artic is probably right on this one, the other possibility but less likely is the throwout bearing, but they usually only make noise under load{clutch pedal in}. VW has to have the best idea around on this, throwout bearing is inside the back of the transaxle, lubricated by gear oil. It lasts longer, is easier to replace when it fails{rarely}, flipside of the coin the design makes it more difficult to align the clutch during replacement{special tool required}.