Tom R.

Drove my brother's 84 wednesday night.

Every shift between 1-2 and 2-3 i got a sound that sounded like a branch dragging. I got the sound when I let up on the clutch. Got it when I shifted to neutral too.

Car has about 110k on it. Clutch is three or four years old, and I think is spring centered.

Im thinking it is the shift linkage Tifo just changed on his car. Any other suggestions/places to look. When he described it to me over the phone a few months back I thought it was his CVs going bad, but they are good.


TIA

944Ecology

Hmmm, I guess that we need more information.

Does the sound only appear when the shift linkage is being moved? Does it happen only when the car is moving? Does it happen only when the car is stopped? Does it happen when the motor is stopped? Does it happen when the motor is stopped, but the car is coasting? Does it happen when the motor is running, but the car is not moving? Does it happen when the motor is stopped, and the car is stopped? Does it happen when the shift is between 3-2? Does it happen when the shift is 2-1?
Does it happen when the shift is from neutral to first? Does it happen when the shift is from neutral to second?

Once you answer those questions, I'm sure that we can come up with some more for you to answer...

gb

Tom R.

OK George here goes, remember, this isn't my car. I drove it for about 45 miles.
The sound is a quick clunk, sort the sound a branch would make if you were dragging it.

1-2 let up on clutch yes
2-3 let up on clutch yes
3-4 let up on clutch - If yes not as bad, same for 4-5

3-2 let up on clutch yes
2-1 let up on clutch yes

If you let up on clutch very slowly and verrrrry carefully you barely hear it.

You also hear it when the car is in gear and you take your foot off the gas, and also when you put your foot on the gas.


If coasting all is well, if in gear and i let off gas I hear the noise. If I jiggle the shifter, I dont hear the noise. I don't think I hear it when stopped if I step on and off the clutch

Does the sound only appear when the shift linkage is being moved? - Not sure, It is when engaging in gear by letting up on the clutch.

Does it happen only when the car is moving? Yes
Does it happen only when the car is stopped? NO
Does it happen when the motor is stopped? NO
Does it happen when the motor is stopped, but the car is coasting? Dont know
Does it happen when the motor is running, but the car is not moving? NO
Does it happen when the motor is stopped, and the car is stopped? NO
Does it happen when the shift is between 3-2? YES
Does it happen when the shift is 2-1?YES

944Ecology

OK, probably a bad clutch disk.

gb

Scott at Team Harco

How about the release bearing?

Does this occur only when you shift? Or is it the use of the clutch pedal (and related system) that causes the noise?

Tom R.

Scott,
I think more the use of the clutch pedal, and when i let up/gave the car gas.

George,
Not what he wants to hear, but thanks!

Scott at Team Harco

Well then. It sounds to me like you have it narrowed down.

You should hear this noise while the car is stationary in your driveway. You might want to give a listen with a mechanic's stethescope on the bellhousing. With the engine running engage and disengage the clutch. If it is the release bearing you will hear it making the noise you describe (in stereo).

Release bearings typically do not pose a major risk unless they are extremely old. It may just continue to be annoying until it gets replaced with the next clutch. What I am saying is you (or your brother) will need to make the call. A clutch job is a lot of work - especially if it is not really necessary.

Tom R.

I can live with the noise! It doesn't bother me in the least.

I will give it a listen tomorrow, and if it is what you say, he will have to decide if the noise bothers him enough to shell out $1,200.

Since he just had the belts done, and didn't tell our wrench about the noise (just spoke to him, he didn't drive the car) I guess it doesn't bother him enough. Plus he is toying with the idea of getting a 944 with less miles since he doesn't drive as much as he used to.

Thanks.

Scott at Team Harco

Of course not. It isn't your vehicle!

Guelph944

Not to threadjack, But I was reaaaaaly hoping on your problem being the same noise I have..but I fear it is not..Mine clunks hard and jerks the car when I let off or touch the gas..my bro inlaw says sounds like differential rear or universal joint or something..but it sounds like an old truck when coasting in geaR..REALLY LOUD and jerky. first few inches of gas peddle are where the big clunk comes in..I am afraid one day that somethings gonna snap..let us know if you find out what the problem was..I am always interested.

Tom R.

Same here. I will drive his car again this weekend and try to get more symptoms to post.