The 020 and the clutch rattle

[gldgti]

I thought I'd start this thread to try and find out more about others experiences with 020 gearbox setups and clutch rattles.

Some of you may not have a clue what I'm talking about, and likely if so you havent had a diesel - but its possible to have this problem with a petrol engine.

What I'm talking about is the following (I would go as far as to say "characteristic") 020 clutch rattle

> noise rarely exists when engine/drivetrain is cold. Gets worse at running temp
> definate "once per revolution" noise that is most pronounced at idle
> is NOT caused by the release bearing
> is NOT caused by pushrod bushing
> goes away when clutch is disengaged (i.e. pedal pushed in)

The car I've experienced this problem in the most was my mk3 TD, with the original 020 setup. That gearbox was a CHD code. The original clutch did not make the noise, and at 140,000km I had to put a new clutch in - whole new kit (SACHS) to OEM spec (proper diesel one) and it made the aweful rattling noise. I put 2 more clutches in that car before finally I put a SPEC 6 puck in it, which did not make the dreaded noise, but soon after the gearbox itself blew a diff rivet and I upgraded the whole drivetrain to 02a.

I also used to have this noise in my mk1 GLD, with the 170mm diesel clutch. New kit fixed the noise.

My dad put a new clutch in his mk1 GLD once and it made the noise for the entire life of the clutch.

I've also heard it on my RV engined mk1, with a CHD gearbox. Not as bad but it was there.

I've witnessed a similar noise on a manual fwd T4 petrol van (but they have an 02a type setup).

Since getting the TD engine in the cabrio with a 210mm clutch, it too makes the noise. Gearbox code CHB.

Anyway, in my experience its not something that has caused any real problem, only annoyance. I'm keen to hear of others experiences and thoughts on possible causes. The reason I say its not caused by a worn release bearing or pushrod bushing is because in my experience I've had cars make this noise when both of these items had been replaced at the same time as the clutch.

One thought that comes to mind is that it could be to do with the gearbox input shaft bearing.

[killingwithasmile]

Sorry i cant offer any insight, but my clutch seems to make the same noise i think. I'd describe it as more of a spinning sound and I've only noticed it since changing the trans fluid and my clutch started slipping when warm.

[GRN_VAGN]

possibly the the little plate that you put over the pressure plate and it uses the c clip looking thing to hold it?

Also my clutch slips when car is up to temp, ive noticed alot of oil around the gearbox to block area.
Will sus it out when new clutch goes in. and possibly a 5 speed at same time