Identify the cause of any noise before attempting to repair the clutch, the transaxle, or their related linkages.
Symptoms of trouble with the clutch or the manual transaxle include:
• | A great effort required to shift gears |
• | The sound of gears clashing and grinding |
• | Gear blockout |
Any of these conditions requires a careful analysis. Make the following checks before disassembling the clutch or the transaxle for repairs.
Many noises that appear to come from the transaxle may actually originate with other sources such as the:
• | Tires |
• | Road surfaces |
• | Wheel bearings |
• | Engine |
• | Exhaust system |
These noises may vary according to the:
• | Size of the vehicle |
• | Type of the vehicle |
• | Amount of insulation used in the body of the vehicle |
Transaxle gears, like any mechanical device, are not absolutely quiet and will make some noise during normal operation.
To verify suspected transaxle noises:
• | Drive - under a light acceleration or a heavy pull |
• | Float - maintaining a constant speed with a light throttle on a level road |
• | Coast - with the transaxle in gear and the throttle partly or fully closed |
• | All of the above |
Differential side bearing noise and wheel bearing noise can be confused easily. Since side bearings are pre-loaded, a differential side bearing noise should not diminish much when the differential/transaxle is run with the wheels off the ground.
Wheel bearings produce a rough growl or grating sound that will continue when the vehicle is coasting and the transaxle is in NEUTRAL. Since wheel bearings are not pre-loaded, a wheel bearing noise should diminish considerably when the wheels are off the ground.
A brinelled bearing causes a knock or click approximately every second revolution of the wheel because the bearing rollers do not travel at the same speed as the wheel. In operation, the effect is characterized by a low-pitched noise.
A brinelled bearing is caused by excessive thrust which pushes the balls up on the pathway and creates a triangular-shaped spot in the bearing race. A brinelled bearing can also be caused from pressing one race into position by applying pressure on the other race.
A false indication of a brinelled bearing occurs as a result of vibration near the area where the bearing is mounted. Brinelling is identified by slight indentations, resulting in a washboard effect in the bearing race.
Lapped bearing noise occurs when fine particles of abrasive materials such as scale, sand, or emery circulate through the oil in the vehicle, causing the surfaces of the roller and the race to wear away. Bearings that wear loose but remain smooth, without spalling or pitting, are the result of dirty oil.
Large particles of foreign material wedged between the roller and the race usually causes one of the races to turn, creating noise from a locked bearing. Pre-loading regular taper roller bearings to a value higher than that specified also can result in locked bearings.
Pitting on the rolling surface comes from normal wear and the introduction of foreign materials.
Spalled bearings have flaked or pitted rollers or races caused by an overload or an incorrect assembly that results in a misalignment, a cocking of bearings, or adjustments that are too tight.
After completing these checks, refer to Symptoms - Manual Transmission .