For 1990-2009 cars

### Isolate Noise

Identify the cause of any noise before attempting to repair the clutch, the transaxle, or their related linkages.

Symptoms of trouble with the clutch or the manual transaxle include:

• | A great effort required to shift gears

• | The sound of gears clashing and grinding

• | Gear blockout

Any of these conditions requires a careful analysis. Make the following inspections before disassembling the clutch or the transaxle for repairs.

### Road Travel Noise

Many noises that appear to come from the transaxle may actually originate with other sources, such as the following items:

• | Tires

• | Road surfaces

• | Wheel bearings

• | Engine

• | Exhaust system

These noises may vary according to the following conditions:

• | Size of the vehicle

• | Type of the vehicle

• | Amount of insulation used in the body of the vehicle

### Transaxle Noise

Transaxle gears, like any mechanical device, are not absolutely quiet and will make some noise during normal operation. To verify suspected transaxle noises:

1. Select a smooth, level asphalt road to reduce tire and resonant body noise.
2. Drive the vehicle far enough to warm up all the lubricants thoroughly.
3. Record the speed and the gear range of the transaxle when the noise occurs.
4. Listen for noises with the vehicle stopped, but with the engine running.
5. Determine if the noise occurs while the vehicle operates in:

• | Drive -- Under a light acceleration or a heavy pull

• | Float -- Maintaining a constant speed with a light throttle on a level road

• | Coast -- With the transaxle in gear and the throttle partly or fully closed

• | All of the above

### Bearing Noise

#### Differential Side Bearing Noise

Differential side bearing noise and wheel bearing noise can be confused easily. Since side bearings are preloaded, a differential side bearing noise should not diminish much when the differential/transaxle is run with the wheels off the ground.

#### Wheel Bearing Noise

Wheel bearings produce a rough growl or grating sound that will continue when the vehicle is coasting and the transaxle is in NEUTRAL. Since wheel bearings are not pre-loaded, a wheel bearing noise should diminish considerably when the wheels are off the ground.

### Other Noise

#### Brinelling

A brinelled bearing causes a knock or click approximately every 2nd revolution of the wheel because the bearing rollers do not travel at the same speed as the wheel. In operation, the effect is characterized by a low-pitched noise. A brinelled bearing is caused by excessive thrust which pushes the balls up on the pathway and creates a triangular- shaped spot in the bearing race.

A brinelled bearing can also be caused from pressing one race into position by applying pressure on the other race.

A false indication of a brinelled bearing occurs as a result of vibration near the area where the bearing is mounted. Brinelling is identified by slight indentations, resulting in a washboard effect in the bearing race.

#### Lapping

Lapped bearing noise occurs when fine particles of abrasive materials such as scale, sand, or emery circulate through the oil in the vehicle, causing the surfaces of the roller and the race to wear away. Bearings that wear loose but remain smooth, without spalling or pitting, are the result of dirty oil.

#### Locking

Large particles of foreign material wedged between the roller and the race usually cause one of the races to turn, creating noise from a locked bearing. Pre-loading regular taper roller bearings to a value higher than that specified also can result in locked bearings.

#### Pitting

Pitting on the rolling surface comes from normal wear and the introduction of foreign materials.

#### Spalling

Spalled bearings have flaked or pitted rollers or races caused by an overload or an incorrect assembly that results in a misalignment, a cocking of bearings, or adjustments that are too tight.