Whirring clutch

[archigator]

I recently replaced my clutch slave cylinder, bled the line and everything worked fine for a few weeks. Now I get a "whirring" sound when I depress the clutch pedal... but the car seems to shift well. (If I were deaf, I would not know there was an issue.) There are no visible leaks in the system, and the master cylinder remains topped-off. Is something getting ready to go in my clutch, or perhaps I didn't bleed the system well enough.

Any ideas?

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
Miami, FL

[types26/36]

I would suspect one of two things,
1. Release bearing (throw out bearing)
2. Spigot bearing (needle bearing in end of crank)
Is the noise constant or does it go away as the engine warms up?
If constant I would suspect release bearing if it goes away with heat I would suspect spigot bearing, either way it sounds like an engine out

[archigator]

I re-bled the clutch, but the noise persists whenever I depress the clutch pedal... Almost sounds like an air leak. I guess, as you say, this is not good news.

I have 75,000 miles on the car, once I have the engine out, I may replace the timing chain and possibly replace the water pump with a Dave Bean water pump (I assume it's only a matter of time before it goes, and I'd be REALLY upset if I had to pull the engine again.) Any suggestions as to what else might be timely to replace once the engine is pulled?

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
Miami, Fl

[rgh0]

Gary

If you have 75000 miles on the engine as a whole then depending on use and servicing you may be up for major work in a range of areas.

If compression is down, oil pressure down, oil usage up, smoke on startup or overrun, or noise from cams and tappets and cam chain then you may be getting close to a more major engine rebuild.

If all the above OK then I would just change the clutch throw out and spigot bearing and put it back in the car and wait for further wear to warrant a more major rebuild.

cheers
Rohan

[types26/36]

Any suggestions as to what else might be timely to replace once the engine is pulled?

Gary, even if you deceide not to get too involved in engine components I would still replace the front/rear gearbox seals, front & rear crank seals, oil pump gasket, petrol pump gasket and rubber oil drain tube (head to block)
None of these are expensive and so much easier to replace with the engine out.

[archigator]

Thanks guys. I ordered the 'suspect' parts today. I love asking a question and having two guys on two different continents giving me the answer. What a great resource this forum is!

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
Miami, FL