(Another) What’s that Noise? Car Edition.

My car (Seat Leon ST MK3, 160k) has started making a weird noise. Tried googling it but no-one seemed to have the same problem, so I thought I would come to the next best place……

When I pull off in 1st gear or reverse, the car makes a whining noise as I lift the clutch pedal. Once in gear, the noise goes away. When I’m changing gear at speed I can’t hear the same noise. If I push the clutch pedal back down to the floor the noise goes away. The clutch doesn’t appear to be slipping

Is this a clutch change or is it something more serious?

Clutch release bearing?

Either clutch release bearing or dry spigot bearing in the end of the crank

If it’s the clutch release bearing it will just get worse. Usually a cheap part on it’s own but depends upon the access and often it’s better to replace the clutch as well. Our cheap Aygo – bearing was £30, whole clutch £100. Labour a couple of hundred for either job, so more effective to get a new clutch.

At 160k miles, it’s likely the clutch release bearing especially if you’re in the habit of sitting at traffic lights with it in gear and the clutch pedal down.

Either clutch release bearing or dry spigot bearing in the end of the crank

Almost certainly one of those.

Generally the release bearing makes a noise whenever the clutch is down, the spigot makes a racket just as you let it up to engage because it’s no longer locating the gearbox input shaft perfectly concentric with the flywheel so the whole clutch shakes.

If it’s the clutch release bearing it will just get worse. Usually a cheap part on it’s own but depends upon the access and often it’s better to replace the clutch as well. Our cheap Aygo – bearing was £30, whole clutch £100. Labour a couple of hundred for either job, so more effective to get a new clutch.

Yep

Also depends if it’s built into a concentric actuator cylinder.

At 160k miles, it’s likely the clutch release bearing especially if you’re in the habit of sitting at traffic lights with it in gear and the clutch pedal down.

Is the root cause.

Especially on cars with a bush instead of a bearing

Thank you.

There’s no noise when the clutch is down so probably not the clutch bearing. It is when I bring it back up that the noise starts and then it disappears when I’m in gear. That means a spigot bearing and that means a new clutch?

There’s no noise when the clutch is down so probably not the clutch bearing. It is when I bring it back up that the noise starts and then it disappears when I’m in gear. That means a spigot bearing and that means a new clutch?

Spigot bearing would (probably) make a noise with the pedal down, too. Could well be the clutch itself is worn out. Either way, it means taking the clutch out, so everything should get replaced any way (spigot bearing, release bearing & clutch plate).