Howdee -

I have an 03' R53 that has developed a chatter that I just noticed today.

Some history - about 6-8 months ago I developed the "standard" chewbacca "glaze" noise but only when taking off when the car was cold. Read on here that this was pretty much standard for most of these cars, don't have any clutch issues - didn't worry about it...

Today I noticed what sounded like something was dragging behind the car. The noise seemed to be noticeable above 30 mph with the windows up.... Any gear, clutch in or out. Don't seem to notice it when I am on the gas.

I recently (3 weeks ago) put new rear brakes on the car and thought maybe something back there was dragging.

Jacked the car up, spun everything - no dice. Took apart brake job and inspected & lubed pins... put back together and went for a test ride....

Still there.... Jacked the car up and put it in 3rd gear and revved the engine. Seemed like I could get it to make 1 clunk (similar to the noise) when the engine spooled back down.

Took a test drive and recorded this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm7zI...ature=youtu.be

I believe its from the clutch? I have zero mechanical/functionality issues with the clutch right now. There has always been a click since I've owned the car (30k miles ago) when you depress and release the clutch - also figured that was normal.

Thoughts?

~mikeym

 

These are typical signs of a clutch that is going to fail, how long no one can say could be tomorrow, could last a year. I'd suggest going ahead and replacing it sooner than later. But your Flywheel may be part of the problem as the springs inside the flywheel do fail.
When you replace it use our Valeo flywheel conversion kit as it is the most cost effective, and will include everything you need including the flywheel.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/valeo-c...l-kit-r53.html

 

Try the same test... but (safely) turning the car off while rolling... see if the noise stops..

If its the DMF, the noise will stop once the engine shuts down.

That said, a bad DMF will often change sound depending on clutch/engine load..

It really does sound like a stick dragging behind the car... (I know its not... since you said you had the car up in the air for the back brakes..)..

Here's the springs inside of it that Way was talking about.

 

Dan - thanks for your help. I will try that test on the way to work tomorrow.

 

Problem upgraded!

Dan, tried the test - doesn't solve it.

Noticed this morning what appeared to be coolant under the car. It appears as if I have a coolant leak at a bunch of hoses on the right side of the engine (looking in from the bay) going into the block...

I would imagine this is the water pump area? photos to come.

~mikeym

 

Welp, shutting the engine down would shut down the water pump.

Rear bearings? Front bearings? Heat shielding rattle?

But leaking coolant could very well be a bad water pump seal.. (or of course any other coolant part..)

 

Dan -

I guess you're right. I may have 2 separate issues here.

Could be any of what you mentioned. I checked all bearings for play and didn't feel any... doesn't mean its not making noise though...

Let me post up a picture of this leak region too.... the coolant appears to have an oily texture which makes me think its worse than just a coolant leak