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MG MGA - Clutch Problem

Hi,

I have a (new) strange sound coming from my clutch/tranny area.
When I fully let out the clutch pedal, there is a slight "whirring" sound but if I depress the pedal without disengaging the clutch ( maybe an inch or so) , the sound stops.
Any ideas ?
DA MacFarlane

The Haynes MGA manual notes 5 possible reasons for 'Noise evident as clutch pedal released':

1. Distorted driven plate.
2. Broken or weak driven plate cushion coil springs.
3. Insufficient pedal free travel.
4. Weak or broken clutch pedal return spring.
5. Distorted or worn input shaft.


The only point I would make to the above words is that I think the author may be implying sounds that occur while letting the pedal out, rather than it being fully out with the foot off the pedal.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Do you possibly have a ball bearing throwout bearing? It might cause symptoms like this. Not sure a bad carbon throwout bearing would sound like this, but it might. Other possibilities are the gearbox input shaft bearing, or the spigot bearing in the flywheel.
Jeff Schultz

Hi,

I have the "normal" throw out bearing. Sounds like I may be able to adjust the clutch pedal travel to fix this.
Just wondering what it could rubbing against if the pedal is coming back too far ...
DA MacFarlane

I had a noise (however more of a rattle than a whir) which disappeared on slight depression of the clutch pedal. When I investigated it turned out that one of the two end springs that retain the release bearing was missing! Mike
m.j. moore

I don't think you could fix anything by adjusting the clutch pedal travel. The noise goes away when you slightly press the pedal because you are putting pressure on the throwout bearing. If you adjust the travel so the noise disappears, your throwout bearing will be dragging and will wear out quickly, just like driving with your foot on the clutch. Something is vibrating when there is no pressure on it. It could be loose or missing retaining springs on the throw out bearing like Mike said, or also weak or broken pressure plate spring like Steve talked about, but "whirring" sounds more like a bad ball bearing, probably the gearbox input shaft bearing.
Jeff Schultz

Like Jeff says, this is a classic sign of a input shaft bearing problem. It can go on for years before anything serious happens.
dominic clancy

This thread was discussed between 26/07/2006 and 28/07/2006

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.