Celica - Grind / Rattle in gear

[DaveyD]

Hi guys,

Recently bought a 2002 Celica Facelift T Sport 190, has done 84,000 miles.

I've noticed a noise that is only present and audible when the clutch is engaged. It sounds like a light rattle / grind and is only really noticeable when you lift off the throttle.

From a few searches online, people with similar sounding issues have needed anything from rebuilt gearbox to a simple replacement of a throwout bearing.

Has anybody got any experience with this kind of issue? I'm leaning towards it being an issue with a bearing around the input side of the gearbox, as the noise is very much the same in whatever gear I try it in (so the noise ties up with engine speed rather than gear speed).

The car has just had a full service with Toyota and they couldn't find any issue (but I can't say their diagnostic skills were very good at all), so I'm not sure how best to go forward with this.

Should I try a gearbox specialist?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[DaveyD]

I think it only really happens when it is wam (hence why Toyota never found anything as they barely did a mile in the car in test driving). While car car has a book of service stanps, I don't know if the clutch has ever been changed. I guess if it was the thrust bearing then I may as well change the clutch while its out.

I don't think it would be the cam chain, as it goes away with the clutch being half pressed in.

 

[DaveyD]

Does all seem to be pointing towards a clutch issue at the moment.

I've not had chance to drive it recently as it needs new brake pads and discs all round. I think I'm a little overly OCD with my ears on cars so I notice the grind. It's my girlfriend's car and she can't hear it. If it starts to get any worse then I'll get it investigated properly, but will give it a week of driving it normally.

Had two quotes for change of clutch on the car at £275, which sounds pretty reasonable I think.