Clutch Noise When Depressed

[echo46]

Sunday, I had the windows down and noticed that every time I depressed the clutch I heard noise, sort of a soft whine. To check if clutch was ok, I did the old start from a stop in 6 th gear and was able to start the car moving easily. Do you guys think it is clutch wear, fluid issue, master cylinder issue? Opinions?

[telijah]

If it's only when the clutch pedal is pressed, it could be the throw out bearing? That was similar to the symptom mine starting giving a few months before it went kaput.

[llll1l1ll]

I'm going to say throw out bearing. My old E30 occasionally made a sort of vibrating/grinding sound with the clutch pedal depressed. I suspect yours is on its way out.

[jsfbmw]

If it's only when the clutch pedal is pressed, it could be the throw out bearing? That was similar to the symptom mine starting giving a few months before it went kaput.

I triple this. Had this symptom a long, long time ago on my 320i. Was a $5 part but significantly more in labor.

[echo46]

So the throw out bearing is a PIA to replace?

[Oli77]

Yes, my throw out bearing has been making noise for 2.5 years now. It's only worth changing if you are going to change the clutch (or if it breaks apart before of course).

[echo46]

So I would need to remove exhaust, transmission and bell housing to get to the TOB, clutch and fly wheel. What if I just keep driving it? How long before something really evil happens. I see that oli is going on two plus years. Should I do this job now or can I wait till next summer. What say you all.

[johnrando]

I don't know, when I'm depressed I don't make a clutch noise. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

[echo46]

Very funny. :)

[llll1l1ll]

Well, on the first notice of my TOB noise in the E30, I replaced it quickly. My Dad mentioned if the bearing gave, the input shaft could possibly seize, making for some really interesting driving characteristics. A while after it's replacement, it started making noise only on humid days. I ended up just driving it like that for a few more years and never really had an issue.

[nike001]

a bad TOB won't do anything bad.

Just wait till you replace your clutch to replace it.

[echo46]

Yea, that's what I'm thinking. I will either replace most, if not everything, this fall or next spring. I'm going to start looking and saving for a good kit. How hard of a DIY do you guys think it would be to replace TOB, Guilbo, clutch, fly wheel, fork, pilot and maybe some seals. I replaced the starter about a year ago so I am a bit familiar with that area.

[nike001]

Do you have a lift? For your sake I hope you do.

I'd say it would take about a day or two to do it, since I don't know what other problems you may run into on the way in/out. From what I've seen, the process isn't hard.. just lots of steps and things to do that take up time

[telijah]

Depends on just how "bad" it is. Mine eventually disintegrated on me, making it almost impossible to shift gears.

https://plus.google.com/photos/102101414697648222108/albums/5572976180507624385