'06 Skoda Fabia 1.4 PD TDI

 

In neutral sometimes the car makes a horrible noise when I let the clucth pedal out. To make the noise go away I can rev it up a little bit or I can clutch in, but chances are when I let the clutch pedal out again it's still making the noise. The clutch was replaced by the previous owner and otherwise clutch feels fine. The car does not have a DMF to my knowledge. This noise can also be heard while driving at idle rpm (800-ish). What could be causing this noise?

 

Please watch the video (turn volume up to hear it properly): 

 

May be a bad release bearing. I think your correct with solid flywheel but there is I think a chain driven balance shaft on that engine.  Not sure if what you are hearing is the chain rattling. Did read that they are prone to wear. How many miles has the new clutch done and do you tow anything?

Alasdair

Timing was done, including belt, water pump, oil pump chain and guides as well. The clutch was replaced around 80k miles, car currently has 105k. No towing has been done by me, the car does not have a bar.

I think your correct with a solid flywheel but might be worth checking. Whats the engine code for the 1.4tdi pd that you have. If its solid then may be gearbox noise or a bad release bearing.

Engine code is BNV, 59kw variant of the 1.4 PD TDI

Had a quick look on line and some say solid but some say DMF. Perhaps someone on here will confirm what is fitted. I am prretty sure its solid but not 100%

Tried the sachs online catalogue but couldn't access the flywheel section.

Alasdair

I'm 99% sure it's not a DMF. You mentioned bad release bearing, but wouldn't that be making noise when I clutch in? The noise can be heard when I let the clutch pedal out.

13 hours ago, Gabe7 said:

I'm 99% sure it's not a DMF. You mentioned bad release bearing, but wouldn't that be making noise when I clutch in? The noise can be heard when I let the clutch pedal out.

The bearing will be noisy whilst it's running with no load on it - when your foot's off the pedal.  As soon as you push the clutch pedal down you "compress" the bearing and take up the slack in it, and the noise goes away.

I don't believe the clutch release bearing turns at all when the clutch pedal is not pressed.

 

Does sound like a bad release bearing ,unusual but not impossible to fail after 20k unless the person who replaced clutch just replaced clutch disk for a cheaper option or used cheap parts. Either way if its gearbox or clutch/bearing the box will have to come out to check. Do you know who did the clutch previously and how long ago as it may be covered if your lucky by waranty? Can't think of any way to inspect without removal or anything else that may be causing rattle. 

Alasdair

I tried to reach out to the garage that did the clutch, but they don't have any info about my car, so I have no clue if cheap parts were used, maybe the clutch disk was the only thing replaced instead of the whole assembly as you say. Talked to a mechanic friend, he said he would just drive it like this, but if it really annoys/worries me he can pull the gearbox. I just hope it won't explode on me...

Noise at low engine speed with the clutch out (released) is probably the Dual Mass Flywheel - usually false economy not to replace this when a clutch is being replaced as both jobs involve the removing of the gearbox. As Breezy Pete says the clutch release bearing shouldn't be turning when the clutch is released.

 

Edited 27 January, 20251 yr by bigjohn

Most likely it's not a DMF, the car has a solid flywheel to my knowledge, 99% sure. My current best guess is the gearbox input shaft bearing.

Edited 27 January, 20251 yr by Gabe7

4 minutes ago, Gabe7 said:

Most likely it's not a DMF, the car has a solid flywheel to my knowledge, 99% sure.

 

Actually you might be correct - Just looked on Eurocarparts and it shows non DPF type clutch plates for your car , with springs in the plate.

30 minutes ago, Gabe7 said:

I tried to reach out to the garage that did the clutch, but they don't have any info about my car, so I have no clue if cheap parts were used, maybe the clutch disk was the only thing replaced instead of the whole assembly as you say. Talked to a mechanic friend, he said he would just drive it like this, but if it really annoys/worries me he can pull the gearbox. I just hope it won't explode on me...

Thats what my mechanic freind says as well. If its the release bearing then it will gradually get worse. and as long as its not a DMF it should be ok. If its a DMF it can be fairly catastrophic if it fails completely. If its the gearbox itself then its going to have to come out and be repaired/replaced anyway. It may be one of these faults that you have to leave and let it get worse to properly diagnose it. Not sure if it will help but try bleeding clutch it can't do any harm. 

Alasdair

Where abouts are you? I'd say the best and most cost effective place to take it is a gearbox / clutch specialist. I have used one nearby to me in the last few years and it was a positive experience - sorted Mrs BJ's Panda whining gearbox out.

Edited 27 January, 20251 yr by bigjohn

Thanks for the help guys! I talked to my mechanic friend again and he is going to pull the gearbox, replace what needs to be replaced. The mot is in April, I'll have it sorted by then and update you guys about what the issue was.

Probably the best and safest option. Nothing worse than driving a car waiting for something to go bang. Hope its a simple fix. Did the clutch on my sons mk1 1.2 fabia which wasn't too bad but would have been easier if I had garage ramps and it wasn't -4c. His clutch failed instantly with no slipping or noise. First thought gearbox had gone. All that was left was a pile of fibres and was original clutch at 65k. His was a solid flywheel. As said hope its a simple fix

Alasdair