Grinding when clutch depressed!

[Tx01Muscle]

I searched through the forums but I could not find anything that resembled my problem.

1st of all, I just had my '01 GT engine on my rebuilt and I did not have this issue before I took it in.

When I depress my clutch (slightly or fully depressed) I hear what sounds like metal slightly spinning against each other (flywheel and pressure plate?). I do not have a problem shifting into gears and the car runs great.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Daggar]

I had a similar problem on my 86 after my last clutch install. Just make sure that your cable tension is correct and give it some time to settle down.

You may also want to go back and check your part numbers to ensure you have the correct diameter parts for your application (10in vs. 10.5 etc).

Mine were the correct parts, it went away over time.

 

[Tx01Muscle]

But I didn't have my clutch replaced, so I'm hoping it's not going out.

It has also gotten louder over the past week or so as well.

 

[RGurleyJr]

Does it make the noise as soon as you push the clutch pedal down any little bit? If so, your TOB is on it's way out. I drove my car a week after the noise got really bad and it eventually stripped my clutch cable adjuster gear and the TOB broke into two pieces.

 

[Tx01Muscle]

Yes. Even just barely depressed it starts.

Can this bearing be replaced with a minimal amount of wrok or are we talking about a major repair?

 

[DTNODYA]

I'd say 95% sure its your TOB. No, it can't be replaced "easily" really ... You have to pull the transmission to do it.

If the sound is like a whining/grinding sound its the throwout bearing crapping out as previously mentioned. It is a VERY common issue for us all. Many people just drive until the bearing falls apart ... the bearing is only like 35 bucks (I think) from Ford but it's a PITA to change. Be sure to get an OEM one (not that it really matters because it will crap out again sometime down the road) ... IMO

 

[LaserRed01GT]

It sounds like the TOB bearing. You should stop driving the car immediately so that you don't break anything like the diaphragm spring or the input shaft. Pulling the trans is the only "hard" part, after you pull the trans the TOB R&R is simple.

 

[4.6andSlicks]

When you replace it, fabricate a return spring on the clutch fork. The reason these cars are always taking out the TOB is it's constantly in contact with the pressure plate. I just replaced the clutch because I was in there replacing the TOB on my 2001 and was amazed they let that bearing sit there and cook. I installed a spring and it feels great and pulls the bearing off the diaphram by a 1/2 inch. I'll never have to go in again.