Do these symptoms sound like a failing clutch bearing?

[Big Rig]

If I drive along at anything above 30/40 mph and lightly ease off the accelerator there a rattling noise until I accelerate or slow down to slow 20mph, then it’s just a very feint rattle.
If I coast in neutral the rattling noise is constant until I slow to below 20mph ish .
It does not increase or decrease in sound if I rev the engine whilst coasting.

I have access to a private road at work so last night and turned the ignition off whilst coasting and the rattle was still there until I slowed down to under 15ish mph.

I’m convinced it’s something on the drivetrain and not on the engine, could it be my release bearing? Any ideas on how I could prove for definite what it could be?
Car is an 06 1.4 fiesta with 40k on the clock.
Clutch does not slip at all if that’s relevant.

I’ve also had it up on axle stands checked the wheel bearings, they seem fine. I rocked each drive wheel backwards and forwards, there’s a bit of play in the diff but nothing excessive.

[Boosted LS1]

When you hear the rattle will it go away when you depress the clutch pedal?

[stevieturbo]

Sure it's not an exhaust rattle ?

As above, if you press the clutch pedal slightly does anything change ?

[Big Rig]

Boosted LS1 said:

When you hear the rattle will it go away when you depress the clutch pedal?

No you can do whatever you like with the clutch or revs of the engine, rattle only goes away as it slows to below 20 ish mph

[Big Rig]

Boosted LS1 said:

When you hear the rattle will it go away when you depress the clutch pedal?

No you can do whatever you like with the clutch or revs of the engine, rattle only goes away as it slows to below 20 ish mph

[Boosted LS1]

Then it's not the release bearing imo. As Stevie suggests maybe start looking for something loose that could be rattling against the bodywork. The exhaust pipes is the first place I'd look or any shielding it has.

[Smint]

Recently bought Golf 6 in the family had a similar noise which the owner couldn't pinpoint, car below 20k miles from new.
Soon as i saw the car i spotted a well chewed rear brake disc, approved used so should have been picked up if anyone was awake when inspecting/certifying, proved to be a seized brake sliding pin, new rear discs and pads and the noise vanished.

If you find nothing else obvious i'd be inclined to give the brakes all round the car a proper service, strip clean inspect and lube correctly on reassembly, sticking brakes can make some odd noises.

Edited by Smint on Monday 28th March 07:50