Clutch & Gearbox Woes

[Damo]

Hi all,

Got a bit of a problem with my car and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on the problem.

Had some strange noises (rattly noises) coming from the what seems to be under the engine. On starting the engine up, there is a diesel'esque rattle but very loud (I know the engines got a slight rattle to it anyway but this is very different). When you blip the throttle and the revs are on their way down the rattle can be heard. Also, when switching the car off, as the engine dies, the rattle becomes more prominent.

The AA came and collected the car and the bloke thought it was my starter motor that had come loose. Car got delivered to a garage (not SEAT) and the mechanic there at first agreed it was the starter motor but I've had a phone call this morning from him saying that it's something to do with the clutch & gearbox. He doesn't know the extent of the problem just yet but he will be taking both items off the car to see what the problem is.

My clutch has been slipping on the odd occasion for the past few months but only in 4th and 5th gear. I put this down to the amount of torque produced being very close to the limits of the clutch, plus my car is near on 80K miles on original clutch.

Also, I've never had any problems changing gear but it really does sound like the gearbox could be on it's way out (and the clutch).

I know it's probably hard for any of you to diagnose the fault without actually hearing it. All I can say is that the rattle is very loud and seems to be coming from the bottom area of the engine.

So, the big question is, is my clutch/gearbox dead?

Feedback appreciated (bracing myself for the worst!)

Ta,
Damo

 

[Cupra Kid]

Could just be the bearings in the clutch, would mean a new clutch. Was this on my old car in a similar sounding situation.

 

[Jonzy]

I get a slight tinny rattle when I shut mine off but im not suffering any box/clutch problems. Cars done 81k.

 

[flashbsd]

mines got 29k on it, and i get a rattle when turning it off, forget about it.

 

[Damo]

Thanks for the replies so far............

Just to reiterate, the rattling sound isn't the 'usual' rattle you get when switching off. Sounds like somethings rolling around in the engine itself. Definitely not healthy (it's very, very loud).

 

[flashbsd]

yeah mines very heavy very loud.

I dont get it under normal conditions, the odd tick here and there, but i've spent my previous years listening for problems with cars, now i just remind myself its an audi engine.

SOmebody will no doubt correct me though

 

[Damo]

I did actually think it was the engine itself when I first discovered the noise. Thought it was gonna seize up or something. Fortunately, I've been reassured by my mechanic that it's definitely not the engine. Not that a replacement gearbox and clutch is any better.

Don't need this right before Crimbo though!

I'm kind of hoping that it might be something really simple/easy to fix. Sometimes these things can seem a lot worse than they really are but I'm trying not to kid myself into this way of thinking. I'll expect the worse, that way I might get a nice surprise if it's not as bad as it seems.

 

[flashbsd]

could it not be the clutch release bearing? or reverse selector rattling?

 

[Damo]

Clutch release bearing could well be the cause. I spoke to the mechanic about an hour ago to see how it was going. He doesn't think the gearbox is causing the problem (phew!) but he reckons the clutch/flywheel will need replacing.

Thing is, I was planning on upgrading the clutch in the new year (to something more substantial than OE replacement). Time and money constraints now mean I'll probably replace it with a standard clutch. Not sure how long that'll last with the torque the engine produces. Any ideas on the torque rating of the standard clutch? I have read it somewhere but can't remember where and how much (270lb ft rings a bell).

 

[flashbsd]

i think your probably on the limit, but i would get him to diagnose the fault before you get the new clutch, e.g. find the problem not just buying a new clutch on the hope that its going to fix it

Bearings can be replaced seperatly, and so can selectors

could always buy the uprated one now and kill 2 birds with 1 stone while he has it apart (funds allowing)

 

[Essex_Cupra]

If it is the clutch i would get it done properly with the uprated one! Otherwise some time down the line you will be buying it anyway!!

 

[flashbsd]

somebody on here would probably buy your OE one off you if you did get it replaced, so there are 2 different ways of looking at it, depends if you want the hassle around xmas time as you said before, Hope it turns out to be something simple

 

[Damo]

Ok, I have cofirmation of the problem. It's the flywheel that's buggered and I need a replacement clutch as well.
I've been told that a standard clutch/flywheel is going to cost £650.00 from SEAT. That sounds darn expensive to me but that's probably due to SEAT ripping me off (well, I hope so).

Don't really want to buy another standard one. Can anyone tell me my options and price indication for each option. Also, I haven't a clue where to purchase this from, so some advice on this would be appreciated as well.

Cheers,
Damo

 

[ibizacupra]

std your stuck with dual mass.
G60 flywheel and SACHs power clutch is a cheaper option and upgrade.

 

[Damo]

Cheers Bill.

Do you have any idea of a rough cost and power/torque rating?

Another option I've thought of is the clutches that AM Motorsport supply (Stage 1). Spoken to Mike and I'm just waiting for prices & availability.

 

[cruising03uk]

sorry delrted