Squeaking noise from transmission

[Igor]

Hi,

I would like to just pick your brains on something that appeared very recently (last two weeks, I don't drive the car everyday last few months). I hear squeaking noise from the transmission in reverse and first gear but only when starting/releasing the clutch. It stops quickly when the clutch is fully released. I comes and goes but it's more often there than not. Could it be lose bearings from the clutch so it's not releasing properly? I'll take it to the mechanic to look at it but would like to have an idea what it could be. The car drives normally, no unusual noises other than this and no loss of power during driving/gear shifting etc. It's a '98 NB 1.8 S (with LSD).

Thanks!!!

[Igor]

Don't think it's a clutch, probably pilot bearing. A mechanic specialised for gearboxes had no idea what it could be and wanted to take it in for a week until he figures out, so I decided not to leave it there (I'm no rush, and I'm driving only occasionally). It seems to me it's the pilot bearing, it has a whiny noise like this and also only when going slowly and depressing clutch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaO2M2Wt3ds

Have anyone changed pilot bearing on NB? Is it massive job? Anything else since I'm at it to look at? It's at 110K miles so might do a timing belt and water pump since I'm at it.

[Pops]

The pilot bearing replacement involves removing the gearbox so you might as well change the clutch and oil seals on the gearbox and rear engine oil seal, or just leave it alone until the squeak develops a bit more so that it can be diagnosed properly

[mrges]

That seems like sound advice above.

[MX5Spares]

The 6202zz bearing in flywheel is only about 10e but its the time/labour to access it and then maybe rear crank oil seal and maybe clutch.I could also be the clutch release bearing but as above ,drive away until its too bad or noisy to use

[Igor]

Thank you all for advice. I think I will sort it out sooner rather than later as I can reproduce it now after I played a bit with it.

Have anyone used IL Motorsports parts? Are they any good? I'm looking at this kit: Clutch Kit, IL Motorsport 4 Piece, 1.8 MX5 Mk1/2/2.5 (https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/clutch-motor ... -3976.html) "The kit consists of a cover, pressure plate, release bearing and spiggot bearing." Not familiar with the terminology for the bearings, though.

There are also various Exedy and Sachs and also IL Motorsports more expensive kits. I'll spend more on it if it's worth it. She's gonna be 20 years in August and has been driving like a charm since I bought her.

Thanks again!

[Steve]

IL Motorsport one looks good alright.

Have a read of this too :
http://www.autolinkmx5.com/clutch-spigg ... 1373-p.asp

[Igor]

Thanks! I didn't know of that site. I'll change the clutch since the work will cost more than the parts (I wish I had a garage and a week to spare )

[Igor]

In case anyone is interested, or it helps, the squealing noise was from a seized pilot/spiggot bearing. I changed the clutch while at it (and the exhaust after the cat, too since I was at it). Like a new car! Thanks for the advice!

[mrges]

That's great you got sorted out.

[Steve]

Nice! Out of interest, which clutch did you go with?

[Igor]

Nice! Out of interest, which clutch did you go with?

I went with the IL Motorsport one. I read a bit more online and it seemed alright. The clutch feels pretty good (not that ever was problems).