Strange Tranny/Differential Noise...Normal?

[fostersafb]

Throwout Bearing Noise...Normal?

So today I'm changing my oil for the first time in the ms3. I rolled the car up on ramps and started her up to warm up the oil a bit. While waiting I decided to get underneath and you check thiongs out, I havent really examined the ms3 from underneath yet.

While poking around I noticed a strange noise coming from the transmission. It sounds sort of like bearings rotating or a metal on metal type sound very close to the surface of the tranny case. Thinking back I have heard the same noise, though more muffled from inside the car from time to time. When the tranny is in neutral and the clutch is released the sound is a bit louder than when the clutch is engaged. Anyways, while under the car I could put my ear pretty close to the case and the sound is very noticeable.

Is that a normal sound from these trannies? Should I be concerened that the factory didnt put enough gear oil in it? Chime in if this sounds normal or if I should maybe get a recording of it or just take it to the dealer.

Thanks.

 

[Super Unique]

It's play in the throwout bearing, completely normal.

 

[fostersafb]

Anyone else? Is that in fact what I might have heard? I can also hear it from time to from inside the car in certain situations. Sometime when I first start the car (already warm) it will make that noise for a few seconds then go away. It also happens after coming to a stop and idling (stop light, etc.)

I'm probably just a little paranoid, you can understand.

 

[khoney]

It's play in the throwout bearing, completely normal.

+1

 

[fostersafb]

Just to make sure it also seems to go away when I engage the clutch. Still the throwout bearings? (confused)

 

[fostersafb]

Maybe I should record the noise and post it up. It seems way too loud to be "normal". Not that i dont believe those who chimed in becuase after looking into this I found that some noise is normal. It has to be beyond the normal realm though. Even my wife has aked me, "whats that noise?"

How loud it is seems to flucuate but is always very noticeable immidiately after coming to a stop and letting the car idle with the clutch out.

This is my first Mazda but the noise just seems unusually loud and intrusive to be normal. I really want to take it in to the dealership and have them give it a listen. While I'm there i think I'll also demonstrate the driveline clunk when shifting as well.

EDIT: found this thread, same issue: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123720128&highlight=throwout+bearing&page=2

 

[Super Unique]

Having owned a number of front wheel drive standard transmission cars I can assure you the noise is normal and comes/goes as well. Don't sweat it until you hear loud clunks amid the routine clatter This process could take multiple decades to finally become a problem.

 

[amascio]

With the clutch engaged (pedal not depressed) and idling in neutral, the sound you hear is probably the countershaft spinning as it is being driven by a clutch that is fully coupled.

When the clutch is engaged (pedal not pushed in) the throwout bearing is barely, if at all, engaged (or spinning).

When you put the clutch pedal in, the internals of the trans quit spinning and the throwout bearing is now at work carrying the full spring pressure of the clutch springs. This is when a bad throwout bearing will really make noise.

The trannies in these cars are not quiet - they have a certain amount of racket they emit even when they are fine. If your trans is shifting well, you probably have nothing to worry about.

Now, if it is convienient to drop by the dealer and have them listen to the noise that is concerning you, it will then be documented. Later on, if there is trouble, you can always say " I brought it to you and you said it was fine"

Documentation is a nice thing......

Good Luck!

 

[mazdaspeed32007]

i brought mine in way back and they said the throwout bearings in these are LOUD. they said if your worried about yorus listen to the bearings in the rx-8. he said those pack a noise. i guess its just the company they use. perfectly normal to say it again. clackity clacks are the problem