Funny noises Clutch or Gearbox?

Last week a new problem has started. Sometimes when I engage first gear when pulling away (or reverse when parking) a loud grinding/whirring noise occurs.
It happens as I start to bring up the clutch. If I put the clutch back all the way down it continues for a few seconds even if I put the box into neutral.
If I continue to raise the clutch pedal the noise continues past the bite as we start to move then stops as I the clutch pedal is fully raised.

At first I thought it was the gearbox as that is what it sounds like, but since the noise continues with the clutch depressed I was thinking either thrust bearing or maybe spigot bush?

I had a new AP clutch kit fitted last September so I don't think its that (but I don't think the spigot bush got changed).

Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

Sounds like thrust bearing to me

release bearing should be noisy when you apply pressure to the pedal whether pedal is on the floor or at biting point, and stop when its released ,spigot bush should only be noisy around bite point and quieten when pedal on the floor ,it could be gearbox ,the outer bearing races are a loose fit in the case ,gearbox will still turn if in neutral with pedal fully depressed ,bush noise is unusual on 300 ,but either way box will need to come out to be sure

jamesmartin said:

release bearing should be noisy when you apply pressure to the pedal whether pedal is on the floor or at biting point, and stop when its released ,spigot bush should only be noisy around bite point and quieten when pedal on the floor ,it could be gearbox ,the outer bearing races are a loose fit in the case ,gearbox will still turn if in neutral with pedal fully depressed ,bush noise is unusual on 300 ,but either way box will need to come out to be sure

Click to expand...

Thanks for that....

Bearing races...that sounds expensive.
Do you know if it is a full gearbox rebuild or is it relatively simple once the box is out?

if bush and release bearing were not the fault you could tip gearbox on its arse and remove front bearing cover and see, if damaged (brg to case very loose due to wear) or if ok you could remove and clean and loctite outer races in place ,rear bearings would mean stripping box

Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated. Sadly I have not got the facilities or experience to do the job myself so it looks like another expensive trip to the garage.

I am having serious lack of luck recently. The box was out for a new clutch about 2000 miles ago.

Thought I'd just let you know it turned out to be the spigot bush...It had completely disintegrated.

Anyway that has been replaced now and everything is AOK!