PK911

So, I noticed a worrying transmission rattling noise and I was wondering if any of you had experienced something similar.

I can clearly hear that noise when I gradually accelerate from a 1000rpm to 2000rpm, whatever the gear engaged. After 2000 rpm the noise disappears.

I can also slightly hear it when the engine is idling and it disappears when I disengage the clutch.

It seems like it only happens when the transmission fluid is at operating temperature (I don't hear it when the engine is cold).

I took the car to an Indy today, he took it for a spin, noticed the noise but could not tell what it was. So I wanted to get your thoughts on this before I get the car inspected.

FYI, the car in an '03 with 16k miles.

Thanks!

Nikon FM

Almost sounds like a light weight flywheel is installed?

PK911

Well, the gearbox, clutch and flywheel are stock. Actually all transmission parts are stock.

PAULUNM

Sounds normal to me- you're lugging the motor. These cars don't like lugging below 2k rpm.

SSST

What are you doing under 2000 RPM? Mine might do the same thing but the only time it is under 2000 rpm is when I'm sitting still. I'll try it tomorrow and see what happens. I hope I don't break anything

PAULUNM

Also, look at your oil pressure when you're between 1k and 2k... Not that high!

PK911

I actually first noticed that noise when driving from standstill in 1st gear. But I agree, this car should not be driven below 2000rpm :-)

Kevin

You wrote>> it disappears when I disengage the clutch

As Nikon mentioned. It sounds like a lightweight flywheel has been installed.

How long have you owned the car?

PK911

I got the car two weeks ago. This is (was) a one owner car and I have all the maintenance records. I double checked the records, and there is no reference to a change of flywheel. But, I'll contact the previous owner just to make sure.

Thanks all for your help.

CincyScott

Mine does it too when nursing it. I have adjusted my driving style to keep from hearing it.

PK911

I exchanged e-mails with the previous owmer. He confirmed that the flywheel is stock and also said that he had that noise since he took delivery of the car. So maybe this is normal for our cars and there is nothing to worry about...

Last930

1000 in gear accelerating seems wrong to me - I rarely run mine below 2k rpm, esp while in the gas.

SSST

It sounds like it might be the motor and not the tranny making the noise. Tried it this morning with the top down and got a clattering, but it was definitely from the top of the engine bay and not the bottom.

Sounds like the motor lugging might be the cause.

PK911

Thanks for checking on your car, SSST. In my case I really think it's the tranny, since the noise goes away when the car is idling and I disengage the clutch.

Kevin

PK, the stock clutch disk is sprung. The springs will make noise till the point that the engine has enough torque to yield coil bind and rotate the disk. With the dual mass flywheel the sound that you hear a dull rattle can be heard in a few situations. More miles on the car, heavy street stop and go driving, and/or someone that rides the clutch pedal. This noise is similar to what you will hear with a LWFW install. Once you are up and running typically past 1800 to 2500 RPM's the noise goes away.

I doubt that it's your tranny, you would hear the noise thru the entire RPM range. Interesting, most new owners complain about the intermediate shaft noise..