[pikachukiat]

Hello,
Just picked up an NB recently and after putting almost 1k miles on it i notice a noise coming from the transmission. (Sorry if this isnt the place to post this stuff! new to forums )

Its intermittent and pretty loud at times (like a loud rattling sound) and it happens when im out of gear, and clutch is out. When i press clutch in its fine and the sound goes away.

Any ideas what it might be? I thought it could be a throwout bearing but the symptoms would be reversed with that right? (sound goes away when clutch out and only happens when clutch in?)

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Erat]

I can't be the only one confused by this post.


Revise your post using "clutch pedal depressed" or, clutch is engaged / disengaged.

If the sound goes away when the clutch pedal is depressed (pushed in, clutch disengaged) then it could be the throwout bearing. Mine squeaks until i press the clutch.

 

[peklngduckk]

Could be the heat shields rattling. The vibrations change when you clutch in/out alon with rpm changes. Does the rattle appear/dissapear at certain rpms?

 

[piano]

It might not be it, but you can try this. That's usually more of a squeal than a rattle, however, but may as well give it a try as it doesn't take any effort. Don't even have to jack up the car, just turn the wheels all the way and you can reach it.

Pretty sure it applies to NBs as well...

 

[pikachukiat]

sorry, let me clarify.
the rattling noise is present when the clutch is DISengaged (as in foot off the clutch pedal)
the rattling noise is gone when the clutch is engaged (foot on the clutch pedal to the floor of the vehicle)
Tthink that should be pretty clear now

as for throwout bearing, i thought it would make noises when the clutch is engaged?
Thanks!

 

[joe morreale]

I have the same type of noise on my 6 speed with 90k on it. It is most noticeable in drive-thrus like a bank or food joint. I am good friends with a transmission man and he said it was the front bearing in the trans. I've talked to several people who have had the same problem for years with no ill effects. I have been using full synthetic motorcraft in my car. I am going to try Lucas full synthetic to see if it quiets it up. Lucas emailed me and said to meet GL-4 compatibility I had to use their full synthetic oil stabilizer and their 75-145 gear oil mixed. It will be a week or two before I get to it. If you pm me I'll let you know the results when I'm done.

 

[JetJr]

sorry, let me clarify.
the rattling noise is present when the clutch is DISengaged (as in foot off the clutch pedal)
the rattling noise is gone when the clutch is engaged (foot on the clutch pedal to the floor of the vehicle)
Tthink that should be pretty clear now

as for throwout bearing, i thought it would make noises when the clutch is engaged?
Thanks!

I don't believe its a throwout bearing because I need a new one, and it doesn't rattle, it squeaks. Well mine does anyways, and the squeak goes away when the clutch is engaged.

I had the same problem you have and thought it was the transmission as well, but found out it was the exhaust rattling..maybe this is your case too. Try this: start the car, if it makes the rattling noise you're talking about go to the back of the car and with some force push down on the exhuast with your foot, if the sound goes away you found your problem. Or at least my problem. Good luck!

 

[pikachukiat]

Thanks for the replies, totally forgot I had this open. I found something new to add to it which might narrow it down some more.
I noticed that it only happens at night, when the headlights are on. Let me just make a chart, it'll make more sense.

Headlights on with clutch depressed: No Noise
Headlights on without clutch depressed: Noise
Headlights off with clutch depressed: No Noise
Headlights off without clutch depressed: No noise

I was thinking it could be the maybe the crank? My friend who had a miata before said they are notorious for crankwalk, but also said it was early NA models, not NB...
Thanks guys!

 

[Stumpy]

My MSM 2004 does the SAME exact Rattle. Drives me nuts. It got slightly less noisy once I trans the trans fluid, but it is still there. :?

I was told it was the throwout bearing. Too bad my clutch is fine and there is no reason to go to all the trouble of replacing it.

..

 

[blackdbl9NB]

Some NB1's had an issue with bearing failure in the motor. Based on what you have posted iot sounds to me like a throwout bearing. Some cars rattle others squeak. My 99 NB1 is doing something similar.

Here is some information on the thrust bearing issue. I doubt this is your problem, but it never hurts to be informed.

http://www.miata.net/solo/99miatathrustbearingfailure.html

 

[devgru38]

My MSM 2004 does the SAME exact Rattle. Drives me nuts. It got slightly less noisy once I trans the trans fluid, but it is still there. :?

I was told it was the throwout bearing. Too bad my clutch is fine and there is no reason to go to all the trouble of replacing it.

..

Good to know I'm not the only one... Wish there was a solution; drives me crazy too.

 

[pikachukiat]

Sounds like its not a unique problem which makes me feel better. Anyone know the consequences of a bearing that has completely failed? Trying to get on the track asap and just bumping into little hurdles (like being too tall - my head clears the roll bar on stock seats -_- which means time to get a seat + harness...)

 

[Tekel]

Sounds like you might blow a tranny :woolery:

 

[pikachukiat]

no kidding right?
Luckily parts for the miata is cheap compared to the IS

Btw, what happens in a complete throwout bearing failure?

 

[90_mx]

I have this noise and I don't think its the throw out bearing. I replaced mine with a brand new ATC kit and the noise came back after 1K miles. Stock flywheel BTW.

Mines is like diesel clatter but only when idling in traffic and only when the A/C is on and when its really hot outside..wierd. When the clutch is depressed half way down, the noise disappears. It doesn't affect driving whatsoever and is quiet once moving.

I suspect its the clutch slave rod rattling on the the clutch fork. I really need to investigate.

 

[Fassaad]

I have a civic that has a ratlle noise when the clutch is pedal is depresed when the pedal is pressed in the noise will go away, that problem is the throw out bearing at the clutch its been making the noise for 150 000 kms and still going.

I dont tihnk this is your problem though because it has nothing to do with the headlights and always happens regardless of what else is going on. Im having a lot of difficulty relating ur clutch noise and headlight as they are completly indiviual systems. The only thing i can relate them together with is when u put ur head lights on u have more load on the electrical system making it a little harder on ur altenator, but i cant explain the noise from the clutch .. can anyone maybe build off this?

 

[socal858]

maybe your flywheel is loose?

 

[SevenRz]

Thanks for the replies, totally forgot I had this open. I found something new to add to it which might narrow it down some more.
I noticed that it only happens at night, when the headlights are on. Let me just make a chart, it'll make more sense.

Headlights on with clutch depressed: No Noise
Headlights on without clutch depressed: Noise
Headlights off with clutch depressed: No Noise
Headlights off without clutch depressed: No noise

I was thinking it could be the maybe the crank? My friend who had a miata before said they are notorious for crankwalk, but also said it was early NA models, not NB...
Thanks guys!

SAME SAME over here! Were you able to find out what it was or how to eliminate that noise? Thanks! Im new btw
Just got mine about 3 weeks ago!
The name is Freddy Nice to meet you!

 

[lpspinner]

My 91 makes a rattling/grinding noise when I am in gear, foot off the clutch and gas. Step on the gas or press in the clutch and it goes away.