MK II clutch problem

[eltax91]

Hi all

quick question about my other halves MX5. She has noticed a noise recently, which sounds like a bit of a "wail" when the clutch is engaged. The wail gets a bit louder if the car is in gear, but the noise is still audible if the car is in neutral and you engage the clutch. When depressed, the noise vanishes, when you lift the clutch you can hear the "wail" again.

It's intermittant at best, and seems to have no rhym or reason to it, it has happened when the car is both cold or 30 mins into a mixed journey.

Any idea's.

Edited by eltax91 on Tuesday 5th May 12:09

[MX-5 Lazza]

Sounds like the clutch release bearing. It's not a big problem - I've never heard of one failing completely on an MX-5. My advice would be to ignore it if it isn't too annoying otherwise it'll be new clutch time.

[snotrag]

My car has a whiny release bearing, has done since I got it, hasnt got any worse. Doesnt really do anyhting other than make an annoying noise. Cant hear it over the engine once your moving anyway.

[Firefox1]

My Mk1 had a similar noise which I thought was the release bearing, turned out to be the spigot bearing. If I had not changed it when I did I could have wrecked the input shaft.If they a taking the gear box off it's worth replacing for around £6:00. If you ar having it changed proffesionally budget for around 3.5 hours labour, a reputable garage should also replace the gearbox oil.