Is my clutch gone?

[Autotechnica]

I've been having some really odd sounds from the clutch today. I drove around and I noticed when I press down on the clutch all the way it makes a really loud rattling and kinda grinding noise (doesn't sound good). Then with the clutch fully depressed, I rev it a few times and hear a loud whirling noise. When I release the clutch and give it some gas in gear the clutch makes the car choke a bit and sometimes it slips a lot. The odd thing is the previous day the clutch gripped like it was brand new, it showed no signs of slipping at all. When I drive around I still hear the rattling and whirling but it's not as loud.

I'm guessing it could a number of things. I haven't worked on the clutch before so I'm a little clueless when it comes to this. Could it be the teeth on the pressure plate have broken off or damaged? Could the release bearing be worn?

I've got a brand new M3 clutch kit in my basement so I'm not worried. However, before I just install it I want to know what's wrong.

Any help greatly apprecaited.

Thanks,

Bryan

[Kevin325i]

Sounds like a throw out bearing. When you put the M3 clutch in I think you'll need a different one anyways I 'tink.

Kevin

P.S. Check out howstuffworks.com if you wanna learn about the clutch.

[Autotechnica]

Originally posted by Kevin325i@May 17 2004, 10:54 PM
Sounds like a throw out bearing. When you put the M3 clutch in I think you'll need a different one anyways I 'tink.

Kevin

P.S. Check out howstuffworks.com if you wanna learn about the clutch.

That sounds right to me. Is this a critical part of the clutch? Will I damage the car if I drive around with the clutch like this?

Thanks,

Bry

[heifetz17]

I want to say you can damage the transmission and/or the engine, but don't mark my words. Could someone more knowledgeable tell me if I'm right or wrong?

[Kevin325i]

Um it pretty much holds everything together. If you do a lot of city driving and just sit there with the clutch in that's probably your cause of wear. I'd recomend checking it out ASAP and driving her like your grandmotther is riding shotty if you must go somewhere.

Kevin

[Autotechnica]

As far as I know it can only permantly damage your flywheel if you don't replace it. I could be wrong, but if I'm not then I don't mind killing my old flywheel, I'm replacing the whole thing anyways.

Bry