Squealing when driving, possibly thrust bearing??

[BiGUKG]

Posted in garage too without much success so hopefully posting in a MK2 specific section will be easier for people to find 

The car started squealing today, thought alternator belt but it doesn't do it on idle, and I don't have power steering etc or anything much that would strain the alternator enough to make it slip as far as I know!

Because it's only when I move, and the thrust bearing has been grinding for quite some time (just not had the money for a clutch kit with christmas and everything!) I took my step dad out for a run so he could hear it, and he suggested it might be that.

I don't know enough about it to be honest, but would that make sense? The only reason I'm asking is because I'm so worried about it being belt related! It recently had a new belt AND new cylinder head, gaskets etc because the cam belt sheered a load of teeth!! Apparently it was meant to have been changed when some other work was done on the engine but it never was!! Garage didn't wanna know though obviously!!

Anyway, would appreciate any comments or help on this - especially if you think it may well be the thrust bearing. It's been grinding now since about.... September I suppose!!

[rubjonny]

usually release bearing only makes a noise when you push the clutch pedal in.  do revs effect it? if its only doing it on the move then i would rule out the gearbox from the output shaft on, as when not moving the input shaft in the gearbox is still spinning with the engine when the clutch pedal isnt pressed.

id be looking at the wheel bearings and brake shields, does the noise go when you press the brakes? if it happens at low speeds maybe get a mate to drive slow circles in a carpark while you walk next to the car and listen to see if you can trace the sound

[BiGUKG]

The noise doesn't seem effected by revs as such, or by braking in any way by breaking.

The thrust/release bearing has been very noisy for some time now (like a grinding noise) where it's so old. My step dad said if its really badly worn, which I expect it will be by now, then it could be squeaking.

With that info I listened out all the way to work today, and it only ever happens when the clutch is released. So the clutch would be engaging then? I suppose it makes sense.

Could brake shoes on the back be causing it at all?

EDIT: Just had a squeak from one of the brakes, and it's a different noise, so almost certain it's not brakes now which is good in a way cos I know it's not that. Bad because I hope they aren't going to start now!

[rubjonny]

well release bearing is such an easy job it wouldn't hurt to change it anyway

[BiGUKG]

Yeah, I'm just going to get a clutch kit and the step dad can put it on when he's got a day free. I noticed today it's quite hard to get into second, more shifting down than up so I have no idea what that is. Hopefully that'll be fixed by a new clutch anyway!

It's a H Reg 1.3 MK2 with only 115,000 on the clock, but I don't think it's ever had a new clutch.

Haven't seen anything on the net to suggest a bad clutch would make 2nd gear harder to select though?

Thanks for replies so far btw!

[rubjonny]

yeah i would say all gears would be difficult rather than just 2nd. when i had a dodgy clutch release plate all the gears were tricky but 1st was the worst of all.  gearbox oil might be worth doing, certainly draining it would make it a little lighter. not a massive amount but every little helps when you're doing a clutch swap 

[BiGUKG]

Great, thanks mate. I was worried the box was going with it for a bit. They can all be difficult but seem to have the most trouble with second. Put it down to busting myself on Boxing Day drunk, fell onto a worktop then to the floor "playfighting" with my older brother, smacked all my left back!!

Anyway, that's a relief mate so cheers... Money isn't too bad at the moment but I haven't got a fortune to spend so I was dreading it being down to something else. Going to buy a clutch kit tomorrow and get it fitted ASAP, next job, mid-section of the exhaust needs to be done! Will go in a garage for that though!

[BiGUKG]

Going to get the clutch today, but left for work and the bloody thing didn't squeak/squeal once all the way to work!! Typical. Oh well, will still pick a clutch kit up if the place I use has one....! Still has to be done at some point!