Clutch noise

Post by **DonaldD** » Sun May 17, 2009 1:36 pm

I'm fairly new to Morris Minors, but I have a beautiful 1964 1098cc convertible that's been fully restored. I'm trying to adjust the clutch free pedal movement. If I reduce the free pedal movement so that the gears change fairly easily without a scrunching noise, I find that the clutch makes quite a whirring noise when the car is idling in neutral with the clutch pedal up. It is noticeably noisier than when I press the clutch pedal to the floor. Is that normal? Or is it a sign that something is wrong?

Post by **PSL184** » Sun May 17, 2009 7:09 pm

The noise is usually the layshaft bearings - It won't be a major problem and will go on for years without any problems (except the noise). If you adjust the clutch pedal up too far (ie no free play) then the noise will be the release bearing rubbing on the driven plate which will wear it out very quickly. There should be around an inch of free play at the pedal to make sure this does not happen. Also check the return spring is fitted and of the correct strength....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun May 17, 2009 9:24 pm

Just make sure there is (engine)oil in the gearbox ! It's very possible the shafts and bushes in the clutch pedal mechanism are worn - have a look under while someone operates the clutch and watch for 'lost' movement in the moving parts. As above - you MUST keep about 1" free pedal movement - and the return spring must be in place !

Post by **DonaldD** » Mon May 18, 2009 9:52 am

Many thanks for these helpful comments. I'm told that the clutch mechanism may have partially stuck because I initially adjusted the free pedal movement the wrong way, and this may account for the noise. As a beginner to all this, I think it's a pity the Hayne's Workshop Manual I was using didn't mention this as a risk and didn't even say which direction of adjustment would increase or reduce free pedal movement. I guess this is what they mean by 'learning from experience'...!<br>

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