Clutch Noise Help Needed

[TomCat]

Just recently I started getting a clicking/rattle type noise after the PT has been run hard (such as freeway driving). In neutral with the engine idling you can hear it, but if the clutch is depressed an inch or so it disappears. It does not do this all the time, just after having been run hard, and even then not EVERY time.
I just KNOW that when I take it in to the dealer it won't be making the noise.
The help I need from you guys is an educated guess as to what is causing this. I know just enuff about auto mechanics to be dangerous. Is there actual clutch "linkage" anymore or is it all hydraulics? Other than explaining the problem (as I did above) to the write-up guy, is there a better way of explaining it so that it can be fixed even if the noise is not present when I take it in?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Tom

[slartyblarfast]

Sounds like it could be a clutch release bearing. When your off the pedal it has some play wich can cause the noise you describe.When you step on the clutch it takes up the slack and the noise goes away. That's my educated guess with out looking at it.

[boosta]

Hi all, this is my first post. I could not resist posting a reply cause I have the exact same thing happening on my GT with 2000 km on it. I posted exact same thing on a other forum about a week ago. No concreate answer yet. One other member said he is hearing exact same noise under same condition.

They are expecting me to find out and post the outcome, but as you know, it comes and goes. I doubt the dealer will do anything about it.

TomCat, try this- In neutral with the engine idling, press in the clulch and back off. You should be able to hear the noise more . If you then press the clutch down and shift into any gear and back to neutral, noise gets less. Soon as you press the clutch in and off, noise is there again.

[TomCat]

Originally posted by slartyblarfast
Sounds like it could be a clutch release bearing. When your off the pedal it has some play wich can cause the noise you describe.When you step on the clutch it takes up the slack and the noise goes away. That's my educated guess with out looking at it.

Thanks for the educated guess slarty.

boosta, I will try that the next time it acts up. Please be sure to post if you find any new info. ps Welcome to PTE!

[toddhawaii]

I started hearing this noise ~300 miles before the tranny in our GT self-destructed. That was 2+ weeks ago and still no replacement parts. Hope it's not the same thing.

Todd

[TomCat]

Originally posted by toddhawaii
I started hearing this noise ~300 miles before the tranny in our GT self-destructed. That was 2+ weeks ago and still no replacement parts. Hope it's not the same thing.

Todd

Sheesh, Todd, THATS just what I wanted to hear!
Seriously, appreciate the feedback.

A quickie update, took the PT out this morning and ran her hard thru the gears. No noise this time.
I will at least get it documented at the dealer in case something happens after the warranty has expired. I have a little less than a year to go on the 3 year warranty, there is 5500 miles on the car.