o/t Car Help please

[Vintage Claret]

My trusty old Citroen Xsara Picasso has developed a high pitched whining/whirring noise somewhere from the engine.

It gets louder as the revs increase and is noticeable when the engine is running whether the car is moving or stationary in neutral.

The noise goes away when the clutch pedal is pressed down to change gear and comes back once a gear is engaged.

Could it be a problem with the gearbox ? Something clutch related? Something else?

[bobinho]

Sounds like a worn clutch release bearing.

To replace you will most likely need to split the engine and gearbox to get to it.

[Sidney1st]

If its more noticeable when you're operating the clutch then it could be in that area, the release bearing for example.

You need someone to increase the engine revs whilst you have a listen under the bonnet.

[gawthorpe_view]

Have you checked the alternator or similar drive belts, they can squeal if they are slipping.

[dsr]

Fan belt was my first thought. Let's hope so, because it will be a lot cheaper than a new clutch.

[Vintage Claret]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll check the belts first in case it is something more simple but if it needs a new clutch release bearing (or even a new clutch) then I'll probably have to end up scrapping it or trying to flog it as a 'spares or repair' vehicle as I'm looking to change the car very shortly so wouldn't want to be forking out for an expensive repair (the clutch has actually been replaced once but that was about 2 years ago).

[FulledgeClaret]

Hi VintageClaret, I used to work for citroen and it sounds like the clutch release bearing is on its way with what you describe unfortunately that means g/box removal to be replaced, if you have it repaired make sure they replace the guide tube at the same time as the clutch. If your local to burnley and would like me to have a look and make sure it is that I would be more than happy too.

[Vintage Claret]

Thanks FulledgeClaret, that's good of you.

I am local (Harle Syke area) so if I could bring it to you for a quick look sometime would appreciate it - how could I get in touch to arrange?

[BennyD]

Possibly the spigot bush. That's the bearing situated in the middle of the flywheel into which the gearbox main shaft fits.

[ClaretEngineer]

Possibly the spigot bush. That's the bearing situated in the middle of the flywheel into which the gearbox main shaft fits.

The MA / BE box has no bearings in the splined end of the input shaft. In that case It could be the input shaft bearing. Again this is a job that requires removal of the gearbox to fix.

I had a Peugeot 106 that made this noise, I was always waiting the box to bang whenever I gave it the beans

[FulledgeClaret]

No probs Vintage My mum lives up HS so Its no problem for me to call on my way past, when would be best anytime is ok for me. thought there was a DM system on this forum but it doesnt appear to work. mail me whittyclaretandblue@yahoo.co.uk

[ClaretShawy]

had exactly the same problem last month, it was the gearbox

[CleggHall]

A very nice gesture FulledgeClaret, you are a helpful good egg and cheer me up this disappointing weekend.

[Croydon Claret]

Wouldn't have thought it would be the release bearing. You said the noise goes away when you press the pedal;the release bearing would be screeching it's head off at that point if it was faulty

More likely a bearing in and around the gearbox as pressing the clutch disconnects the engine from the gearbox and stops the input shaft from turning

[BennyD]

The MA / BE box has no bearings in the splined end of the input shaft. In that case It could be the input shaft bearing. Again this is a job that requires removal of the gearbox to fix.

I had a Peugeot 106 that made this noise, I was always waiting the box to bang whenever I gave it the beans

Thanks for the info.

[FulledgeClaret]

the noise can stop due to the pressure that's applied to the bearing when you press the clutch. gearbox noise would be worse when driving and usually increase with road speed not engine speed and vary from gear to gear unless its the input shaft, could be any number of things but I would put money on release bearing going off the description given.

[ClaretEngineer]

Thanks for the info.

I really didn't mean that to come across so cnuty.

Spigot bearings are fitted to the flywheel on some cars (rear wheel drive from memory, but probably not exclusively!). I seem to recall having to machine a spigot bearing counter bore into Ford Zetec engine (for transplanting into old RWD Fords) when using older Type 9 gearboxes.

In short you were correct in your thinking.

[BennyD]

No worries mate. Btw, that red face is an 'oops' my mistake, not a 'what a ba5tard'!!