Suzuki Swift Clutch

[Kev880]

My daughters 06 Swift has done just over 80000 miles, there is a far bit of noise which goes away when you press the clutch pedal and sometimes it can be a job and a bit balky when you Put in 1st gear and change on the move, are these signs of the clutch needing to be replaced? or a gearbox problem?
Kevin.

[GreenV8S]

The noise may be the clutch release bearing. Balky going into gear is probably a worn synchromesh in the gearbox although it might just be that the clutch isn't releasing fully - especially if the biting point is very low.

[Kev880]

Oh,it could be something simple like the clutch or expensive like the gearbox?

[Little Pete]

When you press the clutch pedal the gearbox stops turning so the noise will be gearbox bearing(s). The problem with the gears could be down to the oil being contaminated with bearing swarf or it could be clutch drag, but it would be best practise to replace the clutch whilst the ‘box was out, eliminating it anyway.

Edited by Little Pete on Monday 9th October 20:51

[Martin350]

My first guess would be that the release bearing is tired and making the noise and that the clutch could be past its best.

Although, on several occasions I have known clutch fluid to go 'off' as it were causing the hydraulics to not function correctly.

Assuming it is a hydraulic clutch, I would check the colour of the fluid in the reservoir.
If it's a nice golden yellowy colour it's probably fine, if it's more like cola, change it!

[Little Pete]

The clutch release bearing is not under any load until the pedal is pressed, so the noise would start when the pedal was pressed, not stop.

[GreenV8S]

Little Pete said:

When you press the clutch pedal the gearbox stops turning so the noise will be gearbox bearing(s).

Only if you fully release the clutch and the vehicle is stationary or in neutral. I don't think we have been told whether that's the case here.

[Little Pete]

GreenV8S said:

Only if you fully release the clutch and the vehicle is stationary or in neutral. I don't think we have been told whether that's the case here.

Good point.

[oilyscouse]

Sounds like input bearing, very common problem