Grinding Noise when Depressing and releasing clutch

[onmyzephyr]

Hey guys just my mx5 recently started to make a horrible grinding noise when i depress the clutch and when i release it
Any ideas??

I own a NA 94 mx-5

[hks_kansei]

Only while it's being depressed? (ie: pedal moving) or while depressed? (pedal held on floor)

If it's when the pedal is down, I'd assume it's the thrust bearing on the clutch fork.

Either way, I'd put the car on stands and get somebody to operate the clutch while you look around and find where the noise is coming from.

[cookie]

As above for sure. Our 121 has made this noise for 3 years. It's annoying but most of the time not detrimental to the operation of the car. Replacing it while fitting a new clutch is standard practice but some cheap asses don't. Pull gearbox replace for $40 or so. Few hrs work.

[onmyzephyr]

Thanks for the reply guys, really glad to get some opinions.

The noise only occurs when the pedal is either moving in or out, sounds like a grinding noise appears for approximately a second.

Im just really worried that it will ruin more parts if i dont get it replaced. Suggestions??

[hks_kansei]

Oh, if it's only while the pedal is in motion then I'd be looking at the mechanism rather than the bearing.

Step 1: work out if it's inside the car, or outside.

Inside:
get your head under the dash and press the clutch, listen and try to see if any of the pedal mounts/pivots are rubbing etc. It may be just as simple as greasing the pedal pivots.

Outside:
Same as before, but you'll be watching the clutch slave and the clutch fork (you'll need a friend to press the clutch in the car while you're under it near the gearbox)

It may well still be the bearing, so while you're under the car listen around the bellhousing for the noise.



Does it make the noise when the car is not running? or only when the engine is running?


Regardless of if it's the bearing, or the pedal points, it's not likely to cause any damage, the pedal noise is just annoying, and the bearing is pretty much the same.
If the bearing is buggered I'd just leave it until you're due for a clutch, and do it all at once (removing the gearbox is an expensive job if you aren't doing it yourself)

[onmyzephyr]

I think things just got a bit more complicated

Clutch in , Rev to 3000rpm . extremly loud screenching high pitched noise.

Im still a newb but anychance this may be a gear box issue??

[hks_kansei]

Is the noise only at revs?

Also look at items that may be vibrating:
Heat shields (the one over the exhaust manifold often vibrates)
Belts (if a little loose they can either slip and screech, or vibrate and make odd sounds)

If the clutch is in it's not a gearbox issue, since the gearbox isn't moving when the clutch is in.

[onmyzephyr]

It sounds similar to a worn alternator belt but with more of a metallic sound. (sorry for the strange and poor description). But it can't be that because i just changed the belt recently.

Plus the sound seems to be originating around the clutch/gearbox area.

Ill keep looking for the source , Thanks Kansei.

[onmyzephyr]

Oh and the grind noise appears when the clutch is depressed in and realsed .

Squeally noise occurs when revving and clutch in (past 3000 rpm approx)