Hello!
I am new to this forum and although I searched I could not find any answers to this problem. I have a second-hand defender 110, 2000. If I shift from first to second when the rpms are high, there is a loud noise when the clutch is still down. The noise sounds a bit like trying to put it in gear without the clutch in at all, but not quite so grinding, more like a whirring screech. As long as I shift at low-medium rpms then it is alright. Sometimes it can make the sound going from second to third, and once when downshifting into 4th. The sound stops when the clutch is released. I don't slip the clutch either, because this can bring on the sound too. I live in Patagonia, and I am still just learning Spanish so it is hard for me to explain this exactly to a mechanic. One mechanic looked at it and said it could be bearings in the clutch plate. Did I understand him correctly?
Anybody with any suggestions? Thank-you!
Tamara

Sounds like the clutch release bearing on its way out to me.
That's an engine or gearbox out job to fix, so you might as well replace all the clutch components while you're at it.
It will probably go for ages before getting worse then failing completely, if you are happy to put up with it.

I'd learn to change gear at the right engine revs, it'll work out a lot cheaper.

Thank-you for the info about the release bearing.
Yes, I do shift gears at the right rpm for the defender, I've learned what it likes. This problem existed before I bought it. I find it might catch me if I've been driving a different car for a while. I drive 2 other cars and each behaves differently. Nevertheless, I still like to know the why's and what for's of a problem.
Thank-you both,
Tamara

I wouldn't worry too much about the screeching noise, it's when you get clonks and banging noises from down there that you have to worry. The TD5 clutch has no springs in the driven plate - they are in the built-up flywheel. The rivets sometimes break and the whole lot then falls to bits. Yet another great leap backwards by LR.