I had a similar rattlly noise (well actually dozens) in the Defender - turned out to be the alternator. Fixed that and then the belt tensioner started... Sorry not much help!

I am off for a glass or two of Nederberg with our staff before we close down and I pack up the troopy to head for Mali tomorrow a.m.

Lucky bugger enjoy

stuck here in the cold with sausage butty

__________________
Chris
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"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really

Many thanks Chris!
got delayed a couple of days... :-( but now packed and checkinh fellow Hubbers for the last time for a while.

Hope everyone 'here' has a great Christmas and New Year
Gil
(curently enjoying a nice glass of water due to too much festive cheer last night)

Cheers Gil, looking forward to pictures

__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really

A little bit more info.

I am not sure whether there are two problems, or if all the noises come from the clutch release bearing.

what sounds like a transmission noise is definitely strongest as the car picks up in 4th, but i can hear it now as the car picks up in any gear. perhaps there is some combination of engine speed and torque which makes it most noticeable in 4th... this implies the noise is related to engine speed, rather than road speed, so i do not suspect the propshaft. i had the whole thing off, a new centre bearing pressed on, and the ujs checked and greased. I don't think it's lost any weights, and the noises have been getting progressively worse, no sudden changes. at higher speeds in first, there is a judder in the delivery.

the gearbox oil is at the correct level, the correct grade, and has done maybe 10,000km.

my suspect is definitely the thrust (clutch release) bearing, though the bearing was brand new when i left. I ut a new clutch in 35,000km ago, but the car sat unused for a year, so perhaps some damp got into the bearing. the bearing is a closed type taper roller bearing which i didn't think needed greasing before use?

I don't really think it can be the input bearing, as this would definitely be still with the clutch down (for longer than it could take to spindown) and the vehicle stopped. i do have a spare though 9unlike the cluctch release bearing), so aside from the work involved in opening the box, it wouldn't be a disaster.

trouble is right now i'm in Iran, where there are no diesel cars, so no diesel specific spares, and i'm pretty sure the clutch / gearbox are different diesel vs petrol. i dare say it will hold out until pakistan, if not... well there's always DHhell.

thanks for your help guys, any more wisdom would of course be appreciated.

Daniel

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4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960

Daniel,
You can eliminate the thrust bearing by disconnecting the cable/pushrod at the clutch fork and pushing the fork back to give the bearing clearance, when it is clear of the pressure plate it will not turn and so will not make a noise.
One possibility is the centre bearing in the end of the crankshaft that the end of the clutch shaft fits into. If this bearing has got so rough it can make the clutch shaft turn when the clutch is depressed. Can't think of an easy way to check this one though.
Sealed bearings shouldn't need greasing they are supposed to be greased during manufacture and standing for a year would not be a problem. I have just checked the thrust bearing on a gearbox that has been sat outside my villa for three years under cover in salty sea air and it is still smooth.
Cheers
Ian

Hi Ian

Is the bearing you're talking about in the end of the crankshaft called the spigot bearing? It would be good if that was the culprit, as I have a spare...

Daniel

__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960