Grating noise in neutral (K series)

[Blat Meister]

Morning all.

I took the plunge a few weeks ago and joined the ranks of Seven ownership! It's a standard spec '98 1.6 K series Roadsport. Absolutely loving it!

I just have one issue which I hope somebody can shed some light on? At idle in neutral I have a slight grating noise which disappears when I depress the clutch and reappears with the clutch out. With a gear engaged and underway it seems fine.

Any ideas what this might be?

Also, does anybody have any recommendations for a good Garage for maintenance in the South Manchester/ Stockport area? We've just moved from the Blackpool area and I knew a great guy up there but it's just a bit too far to go every time I need something sorting.

Thanks.

[ForzaGilles]

Sounds like the clutch release bearing could be on the way out.

[Blat Meister]

Thanks. I've been doing a bit of reading and am coming to the same conclusion.

Any ideas how big/costly a job that might be?

[ForzaGilles]

I think it's an engine out job, someone else maybe able to confirm. The part itself is cheap, probably about £10-£15, it's the labour...

Could be worth a look here http://www.lotus7.club/search/site/clutch%20releas...

Edited by ForzaGilles on Tuesday 14th July 12:28

[spanky3]

I think the clutch release bearing would be noisey when the clutch is depressed (i.e. pedal down) since this is when it's loaded.

If you get the noise in neutral but it goes when you depress the clutch its more likely to be gearbox noise: when you dip the clutch the layshaft stop spinning. My 5 speed box (2007, 10k miles) also rumbles in neutral - I think it's probably normal (at least not uncommon) type 9 behaviour.

[Chrisp5782]

All three of my type 9 gearboxes have done it. The CRB tends to screech when it's about to let go.

I wouldn't worry unduly.

[Blat Meister]

That's reassuring. Thanks!

I'll keep monitoring it then and if nothing changes I'll assume it's normal.

Cheers.

[k20erham]

Hi Double check the gearbox oil level, and while you are at it change the oil anyway to be 100% sure, when that's all ok make sure the idle is ok too, at what revs does it stop if you just increase the revs in neutral?