Squeaking/Chirping noise when pulling away

[tartje]

Hello,

I have tried searching, but have had no results. It's a very odd noise and I might not be describing it properly.

Occasionally when pulling away, my clutch (I think), makes a kind of squeaking/chirping noise for a second, almost as if the clutch plate is slipping on the flywheel and it vibrates making a funny noise.

I don't know if it is that, but it seems odd that it has only happened a handful of times, and only when pulling away from a standstill.

Is this a common problem, and I haven't searched properly?

Kind of anxious that my clutch is on the last few miles of life, when there are a few other bills looming.

This is on a 2.0 petrol that is just about to hit 80,000miles.

Thanks.

 

[nick 9-5]

Funny you should mention this as my 2.0 does exactly the same! Currently on about 113k. Totally random when it does it and no other clutch slip.

 

[freddofrog]

might be the thrust bearing

 

[vile]

As Brian said i would say or the clutch bearing as also known.Is your clutch pedal getting a bit stiff if so my money is on this.

 

[jayok]

As Brian said i would say or the clutch bearing as also known.Is your clutch pedal getting a bit stiff if so my money is on this.

+1 - Yep it's the clutch release bearing. A common issue on the Honda's, basically the the release bearing runs low on grease and "squeaks" briefly as it spins to to match engine speed. Not a problem with the clutch, but to fix it is very labour intensive, basically, you're doing a clutch change!!

Now the next question, can I do long term damage? Short answer is probably not, when the squeak becomes a squeal it's time to change, but it could fail at anytime like any component. If it does fail you won't be able to change gear, and you'll have the components of a bearing set flying around the clutch housing... The odd squeak you'll get used to at 80K you could be approaching a clutch change depending on your driving.? (mine had to be done at 75K)

 

[crespo]

+1 - Yep it's the clutch release bearing. A common issue on the Honda's, basically the the release bearing runs low on grease and "squeaks" briefly as it spins to to match engine speed. Not a problem with the clutch, but to fix it is very labour intensive, basically, you're doing a clutch change!!

Now the next question, can I do long term damage? Short answer is probably not, when the squeak becomes a squeal it's time to change, but it could fail at anytime like any component. If it does fail you won't be able to change gear, and you'll have the components of a bearing set flying around the clutch housing... The odd squeak you'll get used to at 80K you could be approaching a clutch change depending on your driving.? (mine had to be done at 75K)

This answer is spot on.

My release bearing squealed for 50k and did no damage to the clutch and still did when I sold the car. I just changed the revs when pulling to eradicate the noise.

 

[tartje]

Thanks for the feedback.

I hadn't thought about the bearing. I have had numerous petrol Hondas (1999 1.6 Civic ES, missus' 2006 Jazz Sport, my Accord, 1989 CRX 1.6i-16 and my DC2 Integra Type-R), never had this problem before.

Although I did have catastrophic clutch failure on my Type-R whilst on the way to Heathrow airport for my holiday. Drove 60miles clutchless!

90% of my miles are motorway, I bought it June 2011 with 40,000 on the clock, so I've done a fair few miles in short order. Just a bit apprehensive about having clutch failure again.

The guy who had it before me, hadn't done very many miles, I have a gut feeling that the guy had a caravan, no proof other than the original dealer fit towbar, but it was an ex demonstrator.