When the car is cold (e.g., sat overnight) if I start it and clutch in/out everything is normal.
If I put it in gear, clutch in and slowly come off, at the point where it disengages and the vehicle starts to move I hear a groaning noise, almost like a rusty door hinge opening. If I fully release the clutch the noise immediately stops. If I clutch back in it immediately stops. If I hold the clutch at the disengagement point it continues to make the groaning noise, but no other issues noted.
If I let the vehicle roll forward a bit, then try again (clutch in/out) the groan is there.
If I drive the vehicle for like 30 seconds and stop and do the above the noise is gone and stays completely away until the car cools off for an extended period of time (e.g., overnight).
It's been doing this for the last 8 months so by now if it were a serious issue I'd think it have gotten worse, but it's no different than 8 months ago.
Car has almost 300k and using original clutch flywheel still. Tranmission fluid replaced 2 years ago, as well as new differential fluid and new pinion bearing.
It almost feels like something is rusty, gets lubricated, then is fine.
Obviously the clutch/flywheel is the most suspicious, but it feels great, no slipping, good shifts, and if it were an issue like the clutch were finished (e.g., rivets digging into flywheel) I have to think the noise would be there all the time, not just after the car sits for an extended period of time.
Any thoughts on what to check that doesn't involve taking apart the vehicle?
If I put it in gear, clutch in and slowly come off, at the point where it disengages and the vehicle starts to move I hear a groaning noise, almost like a rusty door hinge opening. If I fully release the clutch the noise immediately stops. If I clutch back in it immediately stops. If I hold the clutch at the disengagement point it continues to make the groaning noise, but no other issues noted.
If I let the vehicle roll forward a bit, then try again (clutch in/out) the groan is there.
If I drive the vehicle for like 30 seconds and stop and do the above the noise is gone and stays completely away until the car cools off for an extended period of time (e.g., overnight).
It's been doing this for the last 8 months so by now if it were a serious issue I'd think it have gotten worse, but it's no different than 8 months ago.
Car has almost 300k and using original clutch flywheel still. Tranmission fluid replaced 2 years ago, as well as new differential fluid and new pinion bearing.
It almost feels like something is rusty, gets lubricated, then is fine.
Obviously the clutch/flywheel is the most suspicious, but it feels great, no slipping, good shifts, and if it were an issue like the clutch were finished (e.g., rivets digging into flywheel) I have to think the noise would be there all the time, not just after the car sits for an extended period of time.
Any thoughts on what to check that doesn't involve taking apart the vehicle?