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So I don't realistically expect an internet diagnosis here but you never know.
Mondeo has recently started making interesting gearbox noises, what started as a grinding noise a couple of weeks ago with the clutch slightly pressed in has progressed to a rattle in neutral akin to a loose heat shield that can be felt when touching the pedal. When changing gear with the windows open I have also noticed a clunk as the clutch is disengaged.
Historically the gearbox has clunked when selecting first and occasionally had a slight rattle on tickover. The noise has always disappeared when the clutch was engaged so I discounted DMF troubles.
So, any ideas? A search has already told me it could be one of three bearings but no consensus on which clutch state affects which bearing. Or the slave cylinder. Or the DMF. So very helpful.
I'm also guessing that towing a 1.5tonne caravan would be a Very Bad Idea at this point.
I’m going for clutch release bearing
Clutch release bearing for me as well, (mechanic to trade)
Yes, clutch release bearing. Which means you should probably budget for a complete clutch overhaul seeing as it all has to be pulled apart and the other bits will probably be fairly well worn too.
I'd say release bearing as well.
If the clutch is coming out anyway, might be worth budgeting to have a standard flywheel fitted while you are in there. DMFs will fail, at some point, and if you are towing, it doesn't do it any favours.
Another vote for clutch release bearing. Gearbox failure would manifest itself as whining noises in certain gears under certain throttle settings and difficulty in engaging certain gears.
Yeah I suspected as such, at least it's been confirmed as a valid theory. Clutch kit is a given, single mass flywheel can do one, long since proven to be a waste of time and money on these engines.
Sorry, that seemed a bit shitty reading it back, thanks for the suggestion but experience has proven it's a bad idea.
Nah, no worries, if you think that going single mass is a bad idea. That's your look out.
Dual mass flywheels were designed to stop vibration from the diesel engine going through the drivetrain and damaging the gearbox and diff and shaking your fillings out. Can anybody remember those early diesels they were awful. There may be nothing wrong with the flywheel, you may get away with a clutch plate and bearing. No point in replacing the whole lot if it doesn't need it.
Mine made similar noises for a very very long time before the clutch finally started to judder when setting off from standstill. I replaced clutch, dmf and release bearing.
carparts4less supplied the bits and my local Subaru indy fitted them for £200.
It's like a new car!
Anyway, you're on the right lines... If it's not had the clutch done in a long time, you might as well replace the lot of cracking it open anyway.
The noise has always disappeared when the clutch was engaged so I discounted DMF troubles.
Why discount dmf issues? I'm pretty sure it was the dmf on mine what was shot. It squeaked and rattled idle when the clutch was disendgagd, but quiet once on the move.
You don't mention mileage? But I agree it sounds just like mine did and that was the clutch release bearing. Mine went at 110,000 but if I'd had the car from new I'd probably have got more. Everything apart from the RB looked ok but wouldn't dream of puttin the old clutch an DM back in.
I'd not put a solid flywheel im either. Not heard anything good about them and I'll have finished with the car before it needs another clutch. My garage will do it for £640 6spd Mondeo. If your near Cardiff if can give you a number. Real back street boys mind.