Howling after clutch release

[cthudak]

Hi guys,
Need some input with a tranny, clutch problem. After starting out in first gear, releasing the clutch a loud howl is coming from the front end. Problem is very intermittent. Sometimes a week between howling. Doesn't happen if I release clutch very slowly. Seems to happen if I'm on an incline or dead stop, where the clutch has to work harder. Clutch, slave cylinder only 2 years old and are ford parts. I have seen other posts were throw out bearing was at fault. But if that we're true wouldn't I get the howl anytime I push the clutch in? I only get it when I'm releasing the clutch. Any ideas? Don't look forward to dropping tranny again.....97 xlt 4ltr 4x4 Mazda 5sp

Thanks for the help.

 

[gw33gp]

I had something like this happening on my Ranger at around 100K miles. It turned out to be related to the TO bearing but the bearing itself was not the problem. The inside of the bearing housing has these kind of vanes to keep it centered on the guide surrounding the transmission input shaft. These vanes can wear or deflect allowing a slight gap. Apparently this can give rise to a vibration under certain conditions. A howl is how I interpreted the sound of this vibration. It would only do it at a certain point when letting out on the clutch. Once the clutch was completely out the howling stopped. Pushing in on the clutch had no howl either.

I had already bought a complete clutch kit before taking the transmission out. I installed it even though the clutch still had at least another 100K mile left in it. I tried something with the throw out bearing before installing it to help stiffen those vanes a little in an attempt to reduce deflection and possible wear. I filled the underside of the vanes with silicone, let it skin over good then slid it on the guide to let the silicone cure at that diameter without bonding to it. I put a little oil on the guide to assist release of the silicone incase some of the uncured silicone contacted it.

I have over 60K miles on the new clutch and all is working well so far. I am expecting to hit 300,000 mile on the Ranger before considering another clutch. Wish me luck.

If that is your problem, you can either put up with it or drop the transmission to fix it.

 

[cthudak]

Thanks for the quick reply. Sounds like you had the exact same problem. I'm disappointed that the ford slave / throw out bearing assembly only lasted 2 years. Although most of my daily driving is in town, stop and go. Il give your idea about stiffening up the vanes a try........

Thanks again