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Grinding noise when engine braking

Colin M

Colin M

Messages
1,041
Hi All,


I've had a quick search and found similar posts but there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer from what I can see.


I'm getting a metallic grinding noise when engine braking at low speeds. Sound goes away when the clutch is depressed.


My car is a 55 plate EP3 with just over 50k. Had it serviced last weekend at TGM but forgot to mention it to Tom while It was there. I will have a chat to him about it but just wondering if anyone has any ideas what it may be. Is this a common fault?


I'm wondering whether it may be related to the drive shaft heat shield rattle that I also have?


I will try to get a recording of it over the weekend so you can hear it for yourselves.


Thanks in advance,

Colin
 
take the driveshaft heatshields off and if it persists it will most likely be the bearings in the gearbox.

i think its a trait of the EP3 box as a lot of people have had the same problem.
 
If it goes away when you press the clutch then it's the clutch release bearing surely.
 
MilanoChris said:
If it goes away when you press the clutch then it's the clutch release bearing surely.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily, mine grinds slightly when engine braking and so, using the same logic as you, I changed the release bearing and the problem is still there :(
 
if the grinding is there when sitting stationary and goes away when the clutch pedal is pressed down then its the release bearing.
 
Thanks for all the help guys.


No noise when stationary and onlynoticeable at low speeds so I guess it could be the gearbox bearingthen.


Is it a big job to replace bearings?


If it is I will just learn to live withit to be honest, the heat shield rattle is much more annoying.
 
Hi,

I've had the gearbox + clutch bearings changed twice and it still happens... no different! I suggest you don't do that.

My latest theory is the clutch - I'm suspecting that new version of the OEM clutch make the noise. You'll find it doesn't happen (mainly) before 55 plate.

Is there any chance that the release bearing can spin in their holdings whilst the clutch is engaged? The noise immediately goes when dipping the clutch and I suspect when pressure is then applied to the release bearing.

Colin - if you want any pointers to other threads for research then PM me.

Mine has been getting slightly worse over time. It oscilates now, kind of grinds on and off. Still no performance difference. Makes a bit of a whomming at 75-80, could be the same thing.
 
mines exactly the same, its a 54 plate. had the gearbox bearings all done plus new clutch and release bearing. exactly the same sound still happens. sounds like a grinding metalic noise when revving, soon as clutch is applied it goes.

Mechanic at work said he thinks it could be the release bearing slightly touching when the clutch is engaged causing the noise, and as soon as pressure is applied to the bearing when the clutch is depressed then it stops the noise...
he said he wouldnt worry about it. hope hes right.
 
I think that sounds a likely cause. It sound like something spinning up and when you take your foot off it buzzes as it slows back down. If you try to decellorate on the biting point, the noise is gone. Probably just a design error, or things are out by a few mm.

Oh and the whomming noise was the unevenly worn RE040 Potenzas. Now got Conti SC 5's and they're quiet!
 
Mine does it, my mates does it. Live with it.

Same as that weird noise when starting from cold. Everyone gets it.
 
I've had a 54 plate CTR for a few weeks now and it seems to do the exact same thing. Was quite concerned about it as dosent sound healthy and definitely seems to be coming from the gear box.

I'm going to have a local jap car specialist give the car a good look over as i've just got it an will see what they say about it. Good to know that others have had the bearings replaced etc and it still makes this noise as probably would have done that myself.

Like i've said ive only had my CTR for a matter of weeks and just getting to know the cars but sounds like its a common problem with the facelift models but not necessarily something to worry about.

Will keep updated if i find how to get rid of it!
 
Quick follow up to the original post - My car recently went into TGM to have a new clutch and diff fitted and since the noise has completely gone. I told Tom about the issue when I dropped the car off and completely forgot to ask what it was. Not a great help I know but my advice would be to get yourself along to a specialist such as TGM, Grinspeed or TDI who will all be familiar with this issue. I think it is common problem but was one of those little niggles that was doing my head in.
 
calhar said:
How much did the new clutch and diff cost you? (if you dont mind me asking)
Click to expand...

I got the diff second hand for £350 and clutch was around £150 I think. It is the labour that's the killer so it is worth getting it done at the same time as the clutch is replaced.
 
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