Faint tapping noise when clutch half pressed? '06 V8V

[Krhuangbin]

Noticed yesterday a slight rhythmic TapTapTapTapTapTap emanating from the bellhousing area under the car, when the clutch pedal is partially depressed. It doesn't appear to do it when fully pressed, or fully released. Does it in neutral and idling. It gets slightly worse as the pedal nears the top of its travel towards being fully released. No issues whatsoever with gearchange or general driving, feels very sweet.

Clutch (along with flywheel and slave cylinder) was replaced last year and 6k miles ago, and has been used very sympathetically since then.

Some sort of release bearing noise? Not sure.... if so, not really readily rectifiable is it!

Has anyone got any ideas what it may be? Many thanks

[john ryan]

Release bearing? -yes. Easily rectifiable? -no. A problem? - maybe yes, maybe no. Might rattle for years; on the other hand, it might be falling apart. Sorry to confirm your aprehension.

[IainWhy]

Likely the bearing on the concentric starting the fail as above, alternative would be a bent clutch spring finger but less probable.

Its essentially a clutch replacement job to access the concentric, not difficult but time consuming, shields off, exhaust off, transaxle out, left wheel arch liner out, left manifold off, torque tube out.

[Krhuangbin]

Thanks both for the above.

2 questions i'd have are, firstly that's pretty poor it's tapping already after a few K miles since replacement isn't it?! (It's part of the slave cylinder assy isn't it, or have I got that completely wrong.) It's been babied/used very sympathetically to prolong the new clutch life. Is there a usage/driving style that would hasten that or just happens?

Secondly, what to monitor.... will it just gradually get louder over time?

Thanks again for info.

[john ryan]

You are bringing the stationary bearing into light contact with the revolving clutch cover, and the bearing rattles as it spins with the cover. Pressed further the bearing is under load, and can no longer rattle. It could be like that for years. All you can do is listen, and take action if it gets louder - or pull the thing apart to give piece of mind. You are unlucky. My V8 is over 50K on the same clutch, and all quiet.

[Krhuangbin]

Makes sense . Will just have to keep an eye (or ear) on it.