Thrust bearing problems??

[JimX]

I have a problem which I think is the thrust bearing. Hoping someone can provide advice.

The car has been making a quiet but repetitive "ticking" sound for a few months now in neutral, I guess it's kind of like a squeak or a click. When I put my foot on the clutch even slightly (like 1-2cm) the noise stops. I've had similar noises in a previous car and it was the thrust bearing, which is why I think it's the same deal again.

Recently after a long trip, the clutch area started making a horrible groaning noise when I pushed the clutch pedal in while in neutral. The noise continued while I put it into first, but then stopped as I started the car moving and there was no noise between gear changes.

It did the same thing the next morning after leaving it overnight, so it wasn't dependant on the temperature. But then by the same afternoon, the noise went away apart from being back to the original ticking/squeaking. And it's been ok for the past few days.

So, my questions are - Firstly, is this the thrust bearing? I can't think of what else it could be. Secondly, even though the major noise has gone away, I expect it to come back. Is there anything I can do to fix it, or should I just wait for the noise to come back and stay? Thirdly, I believe to fix it I have to drop the box and remove the clutch. Are there any cheap ways of fixing it? Lastly, how much is a workshop going to charge me to drop the box and lubricate/replace it, if that's what needs to be done?

Any advice appreciated!

[Emre]

For you to do any sort of work on the clutch assembly, you have to take the gearbox out. For that reason, be prepeared to overhaul or even think of an upgrade depending on your plans. You wouldn't go to the extent of taking the gearbox out just to replace the thrust bearing.

The noises you've described does not mean a catastrophy, if your clutch is not slipping just keep on driving it.

The groaning noise you've described did happen to me a few times and first time it sounded horrible. Try to release the clutch pedal and push it again and see if it goes away. I don't know what causes it, my theory is that pressing the pedal doesn't release the clutch properly and there still has some contact between the disc and the flywheel or pressure plate; but it doesn't make sense how it goes away and comes back.

[Bl4cK32]

i recently purchased a twin plate OS clutch for my car, and when the engine builder had a look at it he sent it to the guys at ACS (Xtreme).

Seems Tilbrooks fitted it to a rb25 gearbox/motor without changing the thrust bearing and carrier.

Apparently there are a few different size carriers etc and thje guy said at ACS he sees it all time (ppl not fitting new bearing and carrier)

Due to this the metal plates were bent 0.040" in my "95%" new clutch that i bought. Previous owner paid for the repairs (thankfully), now one plate was replaced, and other was machined. Also supplied with new bearing / carrier.

Long story, but was your clutch fitted properly to start with??

[Emre]

Putting in a new thrust bearing is a given when replacing your clutch, especially considering what they cost. Not doing so could be compared to not changing the filter when doing an oil change... even worse.

I don't know why you would have to change the carrier though, unless you are going for a multi plate clutch...? Some require shorter carriers.

[Jay95R33]

Jimx - Yepp, what you discribed is the same that happend to my old car and it was the thrust bearing.

Like said before, just be prepard just incase...

J

[JimX]

Long story, but was your clutch fitted properly to start with??

I've got no idea. It came with the car when I got it over 20000km ago. The previous owner said it had been recently replaced but I forgot to ask what clutch it was.

I guess I'll just leave it for now, and save up for a box overhall in the meantime as well so I can do it all at once.

[benm]

Give my mate Kevin from GavSport.com.au a call (0296730988) and speak to him (tell him I sent ya), he won't spin you round the bush. Atleast that way you might have a bit more of an idea of what it'll cost you.

I had a spiggot bush ($10 part) go on me about 9-12mths ago and got a new clutch while I was at it, start saving for a lightened flywheel I say...

[25GTT]

So if i was to get the thrust bearing on my car fixed should i get them to also put in the flywheel at the same time?

Does everything have to be pulled apart to install the flywheel?

I had a new clutch put in a while ago, i asked for the thrust bearing to be fixed at the same time, new clutch went in but now the squeeling noise is back so am going to ask for him to do it for free, might pay for him to whack in the flywheel then aswell if you have to pull it apart to put the flywheel in.......

[predator]

must be plenty of lazy ****ers out there because i don't think mine was replaced with my clutch either.

Worse is trying to reverse up a hill or slowly creep forward.. like a huge groan. Otherwise driving is pretty much fine.

[slayer_1971]

Quote

"The car has been making a quiet but repetitive "ticking" sound for a few months now in neutral, I guess it's kind of like a squeak or a click. When I put my foot on the clutch even slightly (like 1-2cm) the noise stops. I've had similar noises in a previous car and it was the thrust bearing, which is why I think it's the same deal again."

I've got the same problem.....damn annoying....but like everyone else has said I was told its to do with the thrust bearing

[R32Big_boy]

Yeah me too. Mine makes a god aweful noise when you put the clutch in aswell, its definately the bearing i've been told.

[JimX]

Anyone know what the consequences are if we don't fix them?

[Bleach1]

I did a clutch recently on an r32 and it had the same problem with the noises. With the new clutch and thrust bearing it was perfect again. Id say if you left it it will maybe damage the pressure plate. It would be making such a bad noise by this time though that you would have to change it before any damage is done.

[Emre]

Jim,

How noisy is it...?

If it's noisy in neutral it may not even be your thrust bearing, but some of the bearings in the box, input shaft bearing, layshaft bearing etc. Thrust bearings are noisy when the clutch pedal is pushed in.

My GTR box developed a bearing noise and it got worse over time but i still drove for over year with it. At the end it sounded like a dog box but it was still driving perfectly fine.

If you are seriously worried, get it checked out by a reputable mechanic.

[KamikazeR33]

JimX

to be honest ive had this problem myself and its not the thrust bearing, its a plastic part rubbing against the part thats connected to the thrust bearing (well not exactly connected to it), we replaced the thrust bearing and noticed that this other plastic part was rubbing on a metal part and had a bit of buildup of grime on it. this part is connected to the clutch pedal booster (or something that makes it go forward n back)

it didnt tick for a while after we cleaned it, but a few months later it came back

[JimX]

Kamikaze, that's very interesting! Is this part accessible/cleanable without pulling the clutch out? Like can you get to it through the engine bay or from underneath or something. If so please put up some simple instructions on what to do exactly please

[KamikazeR33]

yeah u just pull the gearbox out

the thrust bearing is on the shaft that comes from the gearbox, the part that rubs is on a 45 deg angle from this and is easily accessable

mind u, i hope u have 2 ppl to put the box back in (or know how to) as it can be a real pain

[jnr32r]

I agree with Emre i think it may even be a bearing in the box itself. If it was the Thrust bearing it should do it when you press the clutch in.

Ive got the same problem in mine, just keep delaying it to fix it as my clutch is not too bad.

[JimX]

The "big" noise I got *was* when I pushed the clutch in. It was just the very small squeaking noise when I didn't have my foot on the clutch that made me think something was wearing out before this stage.

My Torana had very similar symptoms although the noises were slightly different. ie, a very small squeaking noise when foot off clutch, noise stopped with very small clutch pressure, then big grinding noises when foot all the way in.

But I'm hoping it's just that plastic bit like Kamikaze said. If I'm not too lazy I'll get under the car this weekend and take a look. Or if I am lazy just wait until the groaning noise comes back

Edit: The big difference between Skyline and Torana is the Tornana noise never went away until I fixed it. ie, it just got louder and louder over time. Hopefully my Skyline has some sort of auto repair system that's fixed it

[Mr GTS4]

but when the clutch is in doesn't the input shaft stop spinning??? so that would mean that the thrust bearing whould make a noise since there is nothing moving?

wit my car i have the noise is neutral and in gears but only when the car is moving. i have to admit that when i did the manual with a few mates we did something really dodgy cos the imput shaft wouldn't go in.(we were there for about 2 hrs trying to put the box in and figured that out). i hate the noise it gets very annoying very quickly!!! i plan after i install my FMIC i am going to save up some more and get a new clutch, lightened flywheel and a new thrust bearing... but the main thing is.. i'll make someone else do it because 4WD box's suck the BIG ONE!