Squeak replaces grind; clutch probably still doomed.

"JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7" (jayzayeighty)
09/09/2014 at 20:45 • Filed to: None

As many of you probably don't know, the C4 was experiencing a grinding/spinning noise when it was bit and the clutch pedal was depressed. Now, when the clutch pedal is not depressed, there is a distinct squeaking noise that may or may not be getting louder. There are no problems in terms of drivability, but I need to get to the bottom of the issue. It's almost definitely the throwout bearing, which usually doesn't mean any real problems for a long time to come. Any thoughts?

DISCUSSION (29)

jkm7680 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 20:49

Probably is going to be the throwout bearing, I'd suggest bring it into a couple of shops and comparing their opinions.

Sam > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 20:53

I have an engine hoist you can borrow if you wanna do it yourself.

Steve in Manhattan > jkm7680
09/09/2014 at 20:55

You beat me to it - there aren't that many pieces in there that cause that sort of sound. And Jay, if they have the thing apart anyway, will you just have them put in a new clutch kit?

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Sam
09/09/2014 at 20:56

Thank you! That's an amazing offer, but I have yet to graduate to shade tree mechanic. It'll probably be a good bit before I actually tackle/pay someone to tackle the problem.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > jkm7680
09/09/2014 at 20:58

Sounds like a plan to me. Throwout bearing has been the problem since I hit my first 100 miles with the car, which is a shame because the clutch is good otherwise. Actually, my mechanic said "good clutch" when he tested the car just before the TOB problem.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Steve in Manhattan
09/09/2014 at 21:00

Since the work costs about 4x as much as a clutch kit, that's the best idea. I've suspected the throwout bearing since the end of my first road trip when the grinding noise first became noticeable- it's a pretty straightforward troubleshoot with the symptoms.

jkm7680 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:04

Yeah, Go for it man!

Also, you might want to have a look-see at the propshaft. It's probably not the problem, but if all else fails it's a good place to look.

Steve in Manhattan > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:08

Exactly - it's like replacing the water pump when you do the timing belt - it's right there, so do it.

Shifty > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:10

Not a good place to go cheap...spend the little bit extra, and get a SPEC, or something as good...

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > jkm7680
09/09/2014 at 21:15

Thanks for the pointers!

hike > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:39

Ugh. This is only reminding me that my C4 pulls to the right under braking. I really need to get around to checking that out.

Axial > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:42

Question: where does the squeaking sound like it's coming from?

JGrabowMSt > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:48

I didnt fix it myself, but one important thing is that when installing a throwout bearing is that they need to be carefully installed. Improper installation will destroy a brand new TOB.

You'll hear a grinding noise while idling at a cold start. It'll go away once its warmed up, but will continue to get worse. A bad one can cause trans damage too. Most noticeable in cold weather. Dont put it off very long because it will get very bad. Ill try and find the trans pics from when my first trans blew up.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > hike
09/09/2014 at 21:51

I think that probably shouldn't be too much of an issue seeing as you know the car's history so well. Mine's been driven ~4,500 miles/year over its lifetime and that's a lot of weekend miles, so it needs an alignment which is somewhat evident over 60. Also, I think that the shit roads around here I've been DDing mine on when the weather's nice (short commute) have taken their toll on the tie rods, as I'm hearing noises that would point to that. Every problem ends up reminding me of another, like the fact that my right turning signal doesn't blink. I'll end there haha

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Axial
09/09/2014 at 21:53

Under the hood, I think. I'm not totally sure, so I'll try to listen for it tomorrow.

Axial > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:54

Does it sound like it's squeaking in time with the engine revs? Does it disappear when the clutch pedal is depressed?

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Shifty
09/09/2014 at 21:55

Thanks, I've been wondering about this! I never like to cheap out on car parts, and this isn't urgent.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Axial
09/09/2014 at 21:56

No and yes.

Axial > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 21:58

Mmmmkay, not the same as my issue then. There's a squeak coming from the ZR-1, only it's moving in time with the engine and I don't think it's a belt. Your issue definitely sounds like the throw-out bearing.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Axial
09/09/2014 at 22:01

Yeah it's not that. Also, you have a ZR-1 now? If so, that's awesome!

hike > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 22:02

Oh damn. Makes me feel good about mines issues. Mine are all just aging. Lots of leaky gaskets, needs all new fluids, and that stupid brakes issue.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > hike
09/09/2014 at 22:11

Yeah, you are in a nice position. All in all I'd say I lucked out finding a cheap C4 in the DC area on CL that actually works reliably, doesn't look terrible, doesn't make me feel guilty putting on miles, and has a 4+3. But, it's going to be an ongoing project.

hike > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 22:29

Yeah I've seen some really rough ones around. Saw a maroon one today which bad headlight actuators, faded paint, and sounded could easily hear the suspension rattling over the bumps.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > hike
09/09/2014 at 22:38

Mine is between that and what I assume yours is like. Won't raise any eyebrows for crappiness, though. I'm always sad to see a former legend in really bad shape. Hell, I'm even sad to see an old civic neglected.

Axial > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/09/2014 at 22:58

No. 729 out of 3049, built on the 321st day of 1989.

Spent 12 hours in the truck this past Saturday to bring her home. She has some minor issues (like the aforementioned squeaking, a stuck-on seatbelt light, an old spark plug in No. 8, and a rattle coming from inside the left muffler) but she runs, she looks great inside and out, and she's faaaaaaaast.

hike > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/10/2014 at 00:03

Yeah I hate seeing them in tough shape, but the fact that this person is daily driving it, means it's at least getting a life. There was one up in Hampstead, MD that sat on the side of the road for a few years, looked like it was a project car the owner gave up on. It was always sad to drive buy it in mine. I considered buying it as a parts car, then remembered the only part that is horribly expensive for the car is the hood.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Axial
09/10/2014 at 08:09

Congrats, that's so cool! Those are really minor issues, quite a truck drive though. It must be great to have an '89, too. It's the first year, and only year they had the unique interior and the 80s front end with the round rear. By far the coolest.

Axial > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
09/10/2014 at 08:31

Well, it's a MY 1990, the oldest production year. The only '88/'89 ZR-1s are prototypes.

So, I have the '80s-styled exterior but the interior is still squishy '90s. Still the coolest, though. :p

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Axial
09/10/2014 at 09:36

Damn, that's what I meant. I was just trying to say that the '90 is unique and it's also cool that it had a lot of later C4 innovations.