1999 Dodge Neon Idle Rattle

1999 DODGE NEON
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LOPEZJC
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my transmission has a rattling noise, it has about 95,500 miles on it. it only happens when the car is in idle, the clutch is out, and it is in neutral. when i push the clutch in, the noise stops. i know it is either the throw out bearing or the input bearing, but i am not sure which one it is. is there any way to isolate it before i take the trans. out? the clutch and the trow out bearing are new, but is there any chance the throw out bearing is defective?
Apr 12, 2006 at 4:34 AM
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LOSONE
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  • 1,616 POSTS
The only way is to drop the tranny. I suspect that the pressure plate might have a high tine causing the throw out bearing to "ting" the pressure plate. Let me know as I can't hear the noise.
Feb 24, 2021 at 7:03 AM
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LOPEZJC
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The pressure plate and the clutch are new, so is the throw out bearing. It makes a rattling and grinding noise. I called cottmans and they said that they put a clutch package in, but the mechanic here at the auto hobby shop on base thinks that they might not have changed the throw out bearing.
Feb 24, 2021 at 7:03 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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From an old retired 1stSgt out of the automotive arena, I think the auto shop guy is correct. I never did like the shops you took it too. Let me know
Feb 24, 2021 at 7:03 AM
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LOPEZJC
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Ok, I'm back and have finally got around to tearing out the trans. Turns out we were right the throw out bearing clip had snapped off and had angled out of position. The clips on these things are too small and made out of plastic but that is the only way they come. I took it to Cottman's and the manager was a little upset that he had to replace the part. I am glad that I did the work, because I have a feeling that they would have fixed it and broke the input bearings to prove their point.
Feb 24, 2021 at 7:03 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Good job, glad to see you did it right. that is one shop I don't trust as well as all the other franchises. Thanks for the reply.
Feb 24, 2021 at 7:03 AM

Suggested Repair

Remove the transmission and inspect the throw-out bearing and its retaining clip. A snapped or displaced plastic clip can let the bearing angle out of position and cause a rattle or grind at idle in neutral with the clutch released that stops when the pedal is pressed. Replace the throw-out bearing and clip.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Dodge Neon with about 95,500 miles rattled and ground at idle in neutral with the clutch released; the noise stopped when the clutch was pressed. The clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing were reportedly new. The expert said the transmission had to come out and suspected a throw-out bearing or pressure-plate issue, agreeing the bearing may not have been replaced. After removal, the owner found the throw-out bearing clip had snapped and the bearing had angled out of position. The shop replaced the part.

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