Noticed semi-recently my car will sometimes make a slight squeaky-groan when pulling away, it's only when the clutch is partially pressed and it's slipping slightly.

 

I've taken it to a dealer and they say the clutch is fine and all gears engage - i could have told them that... 

 

From a few googles it seems like it's a possible worn clutch release bearing?

 

How would i check this beside opening up the transmission/clutch?

Anyone else got any issue like this?

If I recall rightly, the test for clutch release bearing is to have the car in neutral and see whether there’s a major change in noise between clutch pedal depressed fully and clutch pedal fully up (foot off). Engine should be running for this. If it is the release bearing it’ll be grumbly when up and without noise when depressed. 

 

Mechanics, feel free to correct me on my, probably oversimplified, statement.  

 

Edit; a release bearing can be a bit grumbly without deleterious effects, too. 

Edited 2 March, 20197 yr by Benz3ne

The grumble or noise should change when the pedal is depressed and released,  

 

Another cause of a squeaky groan is sometimes the drive belt for the alternator and other ancillaries, tends to be if the weather is damp and the belt needs adjustment.

11 hours ago, Benz3ne said:

If I recall rightly, the test for clutch release bearing is to have the car in neutral and see whether there’s a major change in noise between clutch pedal depressed fully and clutch pedal fully up (foot off). Engine should be running for this. If it is the release bearing it’ll be grumbly when up and without noise when depressed. 

 

Mechanics, feel free to correct me on my, probably oversimplified, statement.  

 

Edit; a release bearing can be a bit grumbly without deleterious effects, too. 

 

It makes a slight rattly noise when my foot is off the pedal, but its always done that, it's only recently started doing the little groan noise though. If it starts actually causing an issue then ill get it checked i suppose.