Clutch noise when cold ???

[DieselMonkey]

Guys, my MkIII Diesel has been making an odd noise recently when started from cold. You wait for the glow plug lights to go out, clutch in, start her up and when you let the clutch out (in neutral) on idle it will make a sound as if there is vibration in the clutch / bell housing (like a very rough scratching sound, more noticed when inside the car), when the clutch goes in it stops, somtimes it doesnt happen but a quick rev will make it appear. Car only does it when cold and always noticed when simply idling in neutral. Only 82,000 miles on the clock, the clutch doesnt slip and has plenty of bite. No rear oil seal problems or anything like that. I'm sure it isnt a problem, i have heard it on other cars too, of various makes but just wondering what is happening. Thanks.

[golfvr6]

My diesel work van is like that so probably nothing to worry about. Sounds like a noisy bearing on the input shaft on the gearbox.

[richandhazel]

Agree with vr6........classic symptoms of what is in effect your release bearing.  Its on its way out.

[DieselMonkey]

Guys, i have just realised what this probably is. Is more than likely just the idler shaft in the gearbox, a better description of the sound would be a 'chatter'. Thats why i've heard it in other cars also, just the nature of the design as wear occurs over time.

If it was release bearing it would be more of a squeeling sound when dipping the clutch and when letting it out..... and it would probably happen all the time, not just when cold.

Whats your thoughts on this.... Thanks for the input so far though.

[golfvr6]

It could be the release bearing as when there is too much play it will make a noise. Its that or a bearing on the input shaft of the gearbox. Start the engine, and try and move the release lever by hand, if it stops the noise then there is too much play on the release bearing. You may be able to sort it out without changing the bearing itelf.