Metallic noise from clutch

[Simbu]

Hey all,

I've noticed my mk2 MX5 is making a peculiar metalic noise from the clutch when i pull away in first gear. The noise goes away once in gear and only happens during bite in first, and not in other gears. I suppose you could describe the noise as a metallic stuttering / slow squeal.

I can't 'feel' the noise through the pedals or car in general but i'm a bit concerned, don't want my clutch letting go one evening at this time of year!

Any ideas?

Cheers, Simon.

[shogun001]

Can be your rear main seal leaking onto the clutch. I get the same some mornings.

[Simbu]

Interesting, thanks.

I've not noticed the engine is losing much (if anything) in the way of oil. A quick google has conflicting suggests to leave well alone until I need a new clutch, or get it sorted to avoid oil contamination on the clutch.

[Mr MXT]

Sorry would this be engine oil or g/box oil leaking onto the clutch?

[Simbu]

Mr MXT said:

Sorry would this be engine oil or g/box oil leaking onto the clutch?

From what i've read i think engine oil. And apparently leaks from RMS can also be mistaken for CAS o ring seal leaks.

Not that i understand what any of that means

[Mr MXT]

So if hypothetically this was also happening to me, i'd be losing engine oil? Thanks!

(Although mine is only a squeak not a metallic noise)

[shogun001]

It's normally the rear main seal that leaks. Mine is doing it and seems to be intermittent possibly depending on how I drive. My engine oil loss is minimal even with me doing over 1400 miles a month in it. I know it's leaking from the RMS as it's coming out of the weep hole at the bottom of the bell housing. It's not made the noise for a while now but will replace the RMS when I do the clutch soonish (not that I'm trying to put it off...)

[Munter]

Mine did it for about 2 or 3 years before I bothered to get it fixed and a new clutch at the same time.

Monitor the oil use (mine wasn't much more than about 1L between standard service intervals). And save for the job to be done.

[Simbu]

Thanks for the reply chaps. It doesn't seem to be affecting the clutch's operation so i'll keep an eye on oil and wait until i have actual clutch issues to fork out for the job!