03 nv5600 clutch squeak

[Mopargunguy440]

So about a week or so ago the clutch (at least thats what i assume it is) started making noise when pulling away from a stop and sometimes when i shift. It sounds like a squeak especially noticable when starting in 3rd. It seems to grab just fine and it was replaced along with the trans when i bought the truck 3 months and about 11,000 miles ago. Not 100% sure it is the clutch but it seems that way because of when it makes the noise. The truck is stock too if that info helps. Could there just be a buildup of dust in the clutch itself? If so is there a good method of cleaning it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Tuesdak]

I suggest starting off in 2nd, not 3rd. (1st when towing or other challenging conditions.) You have to slip the clutch a lot and rev the engine to start in 3rd without stalling. I only do that when I am attempting to keep someone out of the damn way and know it's abusing the clutch badly. The NV5600 is slow to shift and does slow you down from a stoplight. It is a manual trans bringing you the joy of shifting a lot for better or worse. The less abusive way to get moving quick is to use all of 2nd (engine redline) and then skip to 4th as this slips the clutch less. This may help the noise or you have overheated the iron surfaces resulting in hard spots - hard spots would be a grabby clutch. Do check the trans oil level and look for oil leaks in the clutch area.

 

[Motorhead]

A dry pilot bearing that is mounted in the end of the crank and supports the end of the input shaft can make noise. Some clutch discs can also make noise. Unless it was a typo, you don't want to start out in third either. Do you know what clutch was used as a replacement? STOCK? Aftermarket?

 

[TWebster]

My vote is for the pilot bearing, I lost mine on my gas truck, and it ate the end of the input shaft up to the point of replacement. The bearings are not the same type, but a dry bearing is a dry bearing.

 

[94ramflatbed]

I would check bell housing, trans to bell housing, and crossmember / trans mount bolts for tightness in neutral with wheels blocked. 11,000 miles may have rattled out a few loose bolts putting it in enough of a bind to make noise. Easy enough to check.

 

[Tuesdak]

I would check bell housing, trans to bell housing, and crossmember / trans mount bolts for tightness in neutral with wheels blocked. 11,000 miles may have rattled out a few loose bolts putting it in enough of a bind to make noise. Easy enough to check.

Bolts can be loose, but, it's the two dowel pins that keep the transmission lined up. With 1 missing pin and tight bolts you will ruin a clutch quick as I found out the hard way.

 

[Mopargunguy440]

Im not sure of the details to the clutch replacement. Id imagine its a stock unit though. How would i go about checking the pilot bushing to see if its dry? The trans fluid level is good also the noise is really inconsitent meaning that sometimes it makes it and sometimes not under similar conditions but is more noticable after maybe 5-10 minutes of city driving

 

[94ramflatbed]

Pilot bearing is located in the center of the flywheel, only way to inspect it is to drop transmission, pull bell housing, then remove pressure plate/ clutch disk. JD is right about the alignment dowel pins when its put back together, having anything in a bind when it goes back in will destroy one in a hurry. Are the bell housing and trans bolts tight? Are there any gaps where it mates to the engine?,

 

[94ramflatbed]

Just now thought of it, but are you sure the hydraulic cylinders are full and in good order? May not be releasing the plate fully. How does the pedal feel. Is it hard to get in gear?

 

[Mopargunguy440]

The pedal feels fine and no resistance going in and out of gear. Ill check the hyrdolic fluid after i get off work later and update

 

[ranger 393]

So about a week or so ago the clutch (at least thats what i assume it is) started making noise when pulling away from a stop and sometimes when i shift. It sounds like a squeak especially noticable when starting in 3rd. It seems to grab just fine and it was replaced along with the trans when i bought the truck 3 months and about 11,000 miles ago. Not 100% sure it is the clutch but it seems that way because of when it makes the noise. The truck is stock too if that info helps. Could there just be a buildup of dust in the clutch itself? If so is there a good method of cleaning it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Have you ruled out a dry universal joint?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Have you ruled out a dry universal joint?

Just went through this. It sounded like a violin!
Except in my case the joint had been installed too tightly in the one-piece I got from Dodge.

 

[ranger 393]

Just went through this. It sounded like a violin!
Except in my case the joint had been installed too tightly in the one-piece I got from Dodge.

Yep, I had one on the rear driveshaft and it only made noise in reverse, sounded like a rock stuck in a caliper.

 

[NIsaacs]

Any chance it is just your plastic bushings in the pedal pivot shaft?

Nick

 

[Mopargunguy440]

I doubt its the bushings in the pedal as it makes the noise when im totally off it. The best way to describe the sound is its exactly like brake squeeking.

 

[jhenderson]

Every time I heard the sound as described I had a release bearing going out. Not long after the squeak started I would find some of the balls from the bearing lying in the gap between the bell and the motor. South bend clutch has an improved release bearing available.