37 replies to this topic

[Nick Warwick]

When I press and hold the clutch pedal down I get a banging noise from the engine bay.

Could it be a bearing?

Little video:

http://i51.photobuck...95CFF411873.mp4

[mike.]

If the clutch is working ok i'd be thinking the release bearing

[tiger99]

I don't like the sound of that at all. I would recommend, before any dismantling, that you check the crankshaft end float and report back. The next step following that will most likley be removing the clutch cover for a look, and a check of the thrust bearing.

[Nick Warwick]

How do i check the end float? never done anything like this

[mike.]

Endfloat is the horizontal movement of the crank, there should be a small amount of movement there controlled by the thrust washers.

You need a DTI gauge to measure it accurately, set it up on one end of the crank and then with a screwdriver lever the crank horizontally one way. Set the gauge to zero and then again lever the crank in the opposite direction and see what movement the gauge reads.

[Nick Warwick]

If the clutch is working ok i'd be thinking the release bearing

The clutch is working fine by the way.

Quick google search and its throwing up answers like its the flywheel/clutch or release bearing that are the problem.

[mk3 Cooper S]

When the engine is not running grab the pulley undre the radiator and check for movement (in and out in line with the crankshaft)

[Nick Warwick]

I will give that a try tomorrow, very much hope its not the crankshaft.

[Yoda]

Pop the starter off and have a wiggle on the flywheel. Is it verto or pre verto? it could be the flywheel bolts have come loose or even sheared off. but as already stated, you will probs have to remove the clutch cover to confirm anything.

Edited by Yoda, 03 October 2012 - 03:49 PM.

[Nick Warwick]

will be verto if its 1991?

[mike.]

Yes it will

[Nick Warwick]

Just tried moving the crank pulley, doesn't move at all in and out.

Will take the starter motor off later and check the flywheel

[Nick Warwick]

Took this starter motor off, can't move the flywheel by hand so nothings loose?

My dad seems to think its something just knocking in the engine bay but why would it only happen with the clutch pressed?

[mike.]

The release bearing still makes sense to me, its only used when the clutch is pressed and if its badly worn or collapsing could be pretty noisy.

Cheap and not too difficult to replace.

[minidaves]

recon its the bolts that hold the cluch together but i do think its a clutch problem