Re: High pitch sound from clutch

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxx>]

It is just a guess that it is the throwout bearing. Usually they make
noise when you step on the clutch, not the other way around. The way
you "fix" this is to remove the transmission and clutch. Normally you
just replace everything in the clutch including the throwout bearing.
It is also a good time to check over the transmission and replace the
oil, any leaking seals, roll pin, etc. This can be done by someone
with some skills on cars, it is not too difficult. The hardest part is
the physical removal of the transmission, it is large, awkward, and
heavy especially when working on jackstands and a creeper. With the
help of assistants it is not too bad, the transmission is not all that
big. Call one of the "D" venders and get all the clutch parts and info
before you start. While you are doing this job you also inspect the
C/V boots and depending on the car it is a good idea to remove the
half-shafts and relubricate the joints. If the clutch line has not
been upgraded to the braided hose that should be done too. Inspect the
clutch master and slave cylinders and if they are leaking they should
also be replaced at this time. At the very least they should be
flushed with fresh brake fluid. Finally after replacing the clutch and
trans go over the gearshift linkage. Clean, lubricate, and check the
adjustments. When ordering all these parts a good spare part to also
have is a pivot bolt for the shift linkage. If it ever breaks you
cannot shift. It is a "special" shoulder bolt and not easily available
when you need it on a weekend! Keep it in the glove box and if you
ever need it at least a mechanic could put it in for you. You should
definately have the Workshop Manual to guide you and a full set of
metric wrenches and sockets. A good flat level floor, creeper,
jackstands, and jack are also important. You can use the floor jack to
remove and replace the trans with your helpers holding the trans on
the jack as you handle the jack up and down. I have done the automatic
trans which is larger and heavier all by myself but the 5-speed is a
little harder because you have to go in and out of the clutch so
everything has to be very lined up, especially when reinstalling.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "John Elgersma" <delorean@xxxx> wrote:
> For some years now, I have been hearing a high pitch sound from the 
> clutch. I know it is coming from the clutch because when I lightly 
> press down on the clutch pedal the sound goes away. I do not intend 
> to drive the car this way for the rest of its life so only having 
> heard from somebody a while back that the fall-out bearing is 
> causing the noise. If so, can an amateur garage mechanic like 
> myself, repair this problem??
> JohnE
> 10250