Weird clutch/gearbox noises

[thesfg]

Hello all,

I'm not sure that my clutch isn't on it's way out. It's not slipping, but it does make an odd noise on occassion which then goes when the clutch is engaged (but left in neutral). Also when driving hard, after accelerating without changing up (normally because someone has just cut into your lane!) when coming off the gas, a vibration/dark rumble can be heard coming back into the drivers cockpit and you can feel a shudder in the steering wheel. This noise can also be heard when engaging 5th or 6th gear at 2-3RPM,either with or without the cruise control on.

Also from time to time, the clutch will engage 1 cm from the floor whereas normally it engages about 1/3rd of the full extension.

The car has the ripshifter kit on it, just for all the techs out there so you know how it's set up.

Has anyone had a similar problems at any time? Does this ring any bells with anyone? As is bloody typical, when I tried to get the car to play up for the mechanic on the test drive, it drove as it did when I first bought it!

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[slackalice]

Check the master cylinder first, there maybe a lot of contamination in there (black bits floating about) or in some cases water! either of these will upset the clutch opperating set up. Worth a look as this is the cheapest cure.

[donnyc1975]

i had a problem with my clutch,it would make a jangling sound all the time,i initially thought it was the gearbox as apparently this is a normal problem, but i had the clutch and release bearing changed,and its now fine! i got the ls7 clutch and release bearing fromroger at monkfish.. excellent clutch i have to say. mine also did not slip,but it eventually did.

[-Z-]

I had exactly this on mine, big vibrations when you ease off just after accelerating. Also 1st-2nd was very crunchy when moderately hurried. No signs of clutch wear either. Also had a ripshift.

Vauxhall were about to change the gearbox when I sold it. With Vauxhall now seemingly being anti-mods I'd be inclined to keep quiet about the fact you have a rip-shifter. Even to the point of writing off the cost if they don't transfer it to a new box.