Noises from clutch
 

Hi all,

I've had this noise pretty much since I got the car but it's really starting to annoy me now so I'm looking to get this sorted.

I have two noises both around gearbox area, first is a high pitched squealing bearing noise that I get on a cold start on cold days which goes up and gown with revs but disappears completely if I press the clutch in. The noise does not happen when the engine is hot or on 'cold' starts on a summers day (warmer temps). The noise also stops after about 3 minutes when everything has warmed up.


The second noise is a constant rattle from gearbox area when engine is hot but this goes away when the clutch is pressed, I'm pretty sure this is the springs on the DMF so that'll need replacing.

The high pitched one is more of a concern for me. I expect it's either something clutch related or worst case the gearbox input shaft bearing but I can't find any similar noises to identify it with.

I've uploaded a video of the first noise but the volume is a bit low :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbL2BWcovf0

I usually forget it has this issue during summer because it never does it, then every winter it sits in the back of my mind every morning when I start it up.

Anyone had this noise before?

Mine does this a bit, always when cold, the clutch action is all good though with no juddering or anything, pedal is still light. I put it down to the clutch release bearing but it doesn't really bother me.

Does your clutch pedal stiffen up after a long motorway run, and then with repeated clutch pedal pumps it lightens up nicely? mines been like that for 10 years!

Can't say I've noticed any difference in clutch feel, it operates just fine except for the noises. It's a bit juddery pulling away sometimes which again will likely be the DMF.

I just don't know what the high pitched noise is, very odd.

Nobody else had this issue with their clutch/ input shaft?

I don't want to spend £700+ replacing clutch if the gearbox is the problem :(

Well, to any interested, this is looking more and more like a gearbox problem so car will be going in for repair soon.

Dropping the gearbox, stripping it apart, replacing input shaft bearing and any other bearings that are going then putting back together.

Of course you'd be daft to do all of that and not replace the clutch so an S60R kit will go in while it's in bits.

Sigh.

Symptoms are:

- High pitched noise when cold starting on cold mornings that goes away after 30 seconds or so
- Noise also disappears when clutch pedal is pressed in
- Dry rattle/bearing noise can be heard at idle that goes with clutch pedal pressed in
- whining noise lower down the revs in 1st and 2nd, sounds a bit like reverse or an alternator bearing noise

Could be if I'm lucky clutch related, but it's sounding more like gearbox

These P1 Volvo's crap compared to the older models :(

Wish I could add any wisdom but have no clue about "that area". Not sure if that noise is bearing-related or just a symptom of somehting else failing. Are you also replacing DMF or just clutch kit? Maybe its just an issue ow wearing clutch/dmf part like with everyone, rather than odd gearbox issue? M66's are pretty bulletpfoof, rarely you hear issues with them.

Actually if you have a read over on the US forums you'll see M66 issues all over the place, it's a clunky whiny mess of a box, unlike the 5 speed M56 of my last car (S40 T4) - That was bulletproof! :(

Yes, clutch + DMF + release bearings etc, the lot will get replaced.

Weird. I am on SS aswell since I got my car but dont recall many people complaining on M66, to be honest. Its usually the "dont buy geartronics as those are made of cardboard" and everyone recommendiong M66, but maybe its the lesser of 2 evils, heh.
as I said - not very knowledgeable around that area. Fingers crossed the only issue you will find will be related to parts you are already replacing :]

so you are putting S60R clutch kit + OEM DMF + OEM CSC? or some other combo?

Google 'Volvo M66 gearbox whine' and you'll get a whole load of results, lots of Focus ST owners too.

Everything from the S60R is going in, it's a direct replacement and significantly stronger than the standard T5 setup.

My M66 box has always screamed a bit in 2nd gear (from 24000 miles) I treat it as 'characteristic' it certainly hasn't got worse in the 80,000 miles I've put on it. The box is also famously stiff when cold but nice and 'snickety' when hot).

I drive it very hard but have changed the gearbox oil 3 times (currently running Fuuchs Titan Sintofluid).

I think your issue is the clutch release bearing.