[96DropTop]

Ok.. This tends to be more noticeable at start up/warm up. At idle, there is an extremely annoying noise coming from what seems to be toward the rear of the motor. Kind of hard to explain the noise.. not so much of a grinding, but more of a metal-on-metal friction noise (if that makes a lick of sense!)
Here's the thing, when I push in the clutch the noise dies down or stops completely. But as soon as i let off.. there it is again!
What could it be? Flywheel? Pressure plate?
This sucks! It's summer...
I like to put the top down and just cruise, and of course turn a few heads occasionally.. but not because of an annoying sound!
Any suggestions? I'm pretty busy, so I haven't really had any time to have it checked out.
Thanks everybody!

[03gtfirered]

i have an 02 and have the same noise! mine doesnt do it all the time only sometimes! i would be curious to hear someone chime in on this!

[Roos85]

If the noise changes when you puch the clutch in it could be the pilot bearing... Mine was squealing real bad until I recently replaced the whole clutch assembly and all

[snoel123]

Sounds like a pilot bearing to me. When you push on the clutch it transfers the load from the pilot bearing to the release bearing/input shaft and the noise will change. When you let go the load returns to the bearing and so does the noise.
Beware if this bearing is noisy it is only a matter of time before it blows apart and can cause input shaft damage which costs more money. Do the clutch disc, pressure plate,release bearing and pilot bearing (clutch kit) at this time. Also check flywheel surface for cracks/hotspots/scoring and have either resurfaced or replaced depending on scope of damage. hope this helps