My 2003 MCS has developed a noise recently that I could use some help in diagnosing. After the car has been sitting for awhile - either overnight or after work, on initial start-up in either first or reverse, there can be a metal to metal rubbing/groaning sound. This happens often, but not always. After it makes the noise initially (once or sometimes twice) it goes away on driving. I hear the noise but can feel no negative effect.

The car has 82,000 miles on it, clutch replaced at 20,000 miles under warranty, all 6 speed stock transmission components, replaced original MTF in April with Redline MTF. Replaced rotors and pads with Pro Slots and Hawk HPS recently, noise developed a couple of weeks after I did the brake job, but everything appears OK with the brakes. With car on jackstands, no noise when engaging gears.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Len

 

Easy fix=Start your car in Neutral. When you're ready to move select your gear(you said engagement works fine) and move.

1st and Reverse are constantly meshed so try start up in other gears to rule out potential problems with your stock flywheel or release bearing.

Jeremy

 

Thanks Jeremy - tried it, really am starting to think the noise is brake related at this time. It was suggested to me that aftermarket slotted rotors and aftermarket pads may be causing the noise - any thoughts on this theory?

Len

 

Does it only happen on tight turns? One of your dust shields could be bent.

Jeremy

 

probably the pads cleaning off the surface rust on the rotors that builds when it sits for a few hours.

 

does the noise happen when your pressing the brake, or when your letting off the clutch, or simply driving around while either coasting or wit the accelerator engaged? i had a similar sounding issue, but it only occured as i was pulling out in first, or reverse as i was depressing the clutch

 

Only happens on start-up after engaging first or reverse on a cold car that has been sitting for awhile. Does not happen when applying brakes. By the time I get to any turns, no noise occurs (I checked the dust shields previously as I was hoping for on obvious problem and fix - no issues there however). No vibration on braking or other problems on applying brakes.

Len

 

i thought i was alone on this issue, my 02 R53 has been doing the same thing for almost a year. it only make the grinding metal noise when it sits overnight, once the vehicle gets rolling it is gone. took it to the shop several times but they couldn't find anything worng with it........

 

main bearing? once pressure comes up all is well ?