Gearbox Myth or Fact.......

[ColinC]

When in nuetral with the engine running I get a rattle from the gearbox, dip the clutch goes away. I thought clutch release bearing, there are no other symptoms and the change is neat and precise. Asked a local specialist and he said very common nothing to worry about, the clutch does seem fine. Changed the gearbox oil anyway and it did go away for about two weeks or until the hot weather and a bit of 'fun' driving in the twistys.

I have no other issues with the bits at the back except there is no LSD....should I just drive it till it breaks[]

 

[Rotorhead]

I had a 944, bought brand new from Malaya Garage in 1986, and it did that from new. Apparently quite normal. Cars with lwt fly wheels are far worse.

 

[Big Dave]

FACT....
Theres nothing wrong with your clutch release bearing. Its the gearbox end..
When the car is at idle, + clutch not depressed, the torque tube/ propshaft spins.This in turn spins the "lay" shafts in the gearbox. Its those that you can hear chattering....Its defo a common noise with the 944 boxes...

 

[ColinC]

Cheers....I'll score that particular 'rattle' of the to do list.......

 

[Diver944]

Definate FACT

They all do it to a greater or lesser degree. We tend not to hear it until the weather warms up and you suddenly drive around with the windows open more often.

 

[TTM]

This audio discomfort can be somewhat reduced by using "thick" oil in the gearbox (eg 75W140).
Worn out throw out bearing and torque tube bearings would also contribute to it, but still, a whole transmission in excellent shape will make that noise, at a low level.