DaveD

iTrader: (2)

I have an intermittant noise on my WRX.
I believe the car may still be on it's original clutch - I got the car imported from Japan at 46,000 miles, and I've now done over 100,000 more without changing it!

However, occasionally, when at the biting point, I get a nasty kind of 'dry bearing' noise. I only get the noise when the clutch is on the biting point - once engaged, or when in neutral, there is no noise. Also, the noise comes and goes - doesn't do it for a week, then will do it for a few miles, then is quiet again. When it's making the noise, the gears do crunch very slightly when they are engaged.

There is no hint of the clutch slipping.

The only other thing of note, is when the noise first started, I found the gear oil to be on the low end of the dip stick, and I added a few ccs of new oil.

Should I be preparing myself for a new clutch, or do the symptoms point more to the gearbox? I can only think that the friction material may be breaking up.

Anyone got any ideas? I'm reluctant to do too much, as the car still drives ok - just a bit embarrasing at times!

kildare scooby

i thgink it could be the release bearing not sure but i've bein told that it makes noises like that when its going

DaveD

iTrader: (2)

I thought that, but wouldn't it also make a noise in neutral?

DaveD

iTrader: (2)

The car has been ok for a few weeks, but started making the noise again yesterday - and was still doing so this morning.

The noise is now consitently present when on the biting point of the clutch. With the clutch fully in or out, there is still no noise.

I'm now assuming it's the release bearing.....

I think it will probably be a good idea to change the clutch at the same time, as the present one is in excess of 110,000 miles! Has anyone been able to get a dealer to replace an early WRX clutch & release bearing (I believe the early WRX clutch is a larger dia than UK?), or do I need to go to a more specialist outfit? How many pennies will I need to spend?