Clutch Noise

[frenchy]

Hi Guys

Well this time it is my clutch that squeaks. The noise comes from the back and sounds like when you rub a window after spraying some windex on it. It makes that squeaking noise when I press the clutch and when I release. Beside the noise, the clutch works great, no slip. It started yesterday when I left work. I notice that the clutch pedal felt a bit weird (like spongy) when I depress it in order to start the car, then I notice the soudn. After a couple of pump the weird spongy feeling was gone but the noise is still there.

Any idea what it could be?

If the bearing were worn I think I would feel a vibration or a noise comming from the clutch when the engine is running and the clutch depress, but like I said . the only time that the noise is present is when I press and release.

Could it be the slave cylinder on the clutch?

Air in the clutch hydrolic system? ( I flushed the clutch a month or so ago, and I might not have tighten the nipple hard enough... of scare of stripping it)

Maybe the shaft or the pivot point (where the bearing slide/rocket arm move) need some greasing?) I have a history of a few RMS leaks, I have not notice oil leak (just the "normal" sweetage, so maybe there is engine oil on the bearing...)

So any idea?

Jean

Edited May 4, 2004 by frenchy

[Tool Pants]

The most common complaint is noise from the clutch pedal. You should have someone operate the clutch while you listen at the bell housing area to make sure the noise from the back.

There is a TSB for the Boxster and 996 for a creaking noise from the bell housing. I do not have the Boxster one but the 996 one notes that as a certain date a new clutch release lever went into production.

In any event, I would see if you can duplicate the noise and verify it is from the bell housing area. I doubt if it has anything to do with bleeding the clutch as you would have noticed the noise much sooner.

[jeneric996]

I have a similar problem like what you described. You didn't mention what year your 986 was because there is a TSB where the dealer will replace parts within the bellhousing/ clutch area if the owner complains about a creak noise at the rear of the car. I think the 986 and 996 uses similar parts, if not the same.

I have a '03 996 C2 so all of the parts were already updated. The dealer initially replaced the clutch pedal assembly because of a defective spring; lubed my slave cynlinder and then evetually took down my tranny and lubed the clutch fork and throwout bearing. The last repair was good for about one week and then the creak noise returned and was even worse -- the pedal feel improved though.

So my car is back at the dealer and Porsche authorized a whole clutch replacement. It should be done by today or tomorrow.

[frenchy]

It is a 2000 boxster....

Well the sound really comes from the back (I had the interior clutch spring replaced about a hear ago because it was squeaking).

I will jack the car tonight and ask someone to pucp the clutch while I'm under the car.

Jean

[jeneric996]

The TSB for the 996 was issued on 12-22-00, Part ID 7/00, regarding the newer modified release lever was installed in production on April 19, 2000 from the following transmission number: G9600 1018220. I did not see a TSB for the Boxster.

If your car is out of warranty, you may want to re-bleed the clutch line. This could be the easy fix since you mentioned that the clutch felt spongy after you initially bled the line. Or, so long as the clutch feels fine and you can live with the noise, keep driving until you need major work like a new clutch or a RMS leak.

If you're within warranty, have it checked out.

I just got my car back and the clutch is completely smooth and noise free. I'll have to see how long this will last. I also noticed that shifting with my Porsche Short Shift Kit (B&M) feels smoother and not as notchy too.

Per the invoice, the dealer replaced the pressure plate, throw out bearing, sleeve release lever, ball socket and some other smaller parts. I'm sure this would have cost over $1,000.00.

Edited May 5, 2004 by jeneric996