Clutch noise - still! And hoping for a miracle.

[JohninKuranda]

I first posted on this issue almost three years ago regarding my 1928 35A Phaeton. I took onboard the various comments and worked my way through the suggestions. Since that time I have dropped the rear axle and taken the transmission and clutch apart three times. I have replaced the throwout bearing twice as well as the pilot bearing. Also removed and rechecked the flywheel and pressure plate. I have dismanteld the transmission, replacing all the gears and bearings in the process. Even found a mangled split washer wedged under the reverse gear! When after replacing all the gears and still having the noise continue - I shipped the gearbox some 2,300 kilometres for an experts view.

It came back all checked out - and yes, the noise still continues - but I believe the transmission has been eliminated. Using a mechanics stethoscope, the further forward I move the probe along the transmission case the louder the noise becomes. So I am back to it being a clutch issue. Given that I have already replaced the throwout bearing and pilot bearing, I am loathe to drop the rear axle for a fourth time unless I feel that I have a reasonable chance of success. To summarize, push the clutch pedal down, noise stops. Remove my foot from the pedal, the noise returns. From the moment the outer ring of the throwout bearing starts spinning till fully engaged, the noise starts approximately one-third of the distance in pedal travel.

The link to the video below demonstrates the noise I am getting.It starts with the clutch pedal depressed and I lift my foot. The outer part of the bearing stops spinning as I believe it should.

If anyone has any more suggestions, or had experience in solving the same issue succesfully, I would love to hear about it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/nYG2MGJvGCU?feature=share