Slight Rattle On Cold Idle-Trans in Neutral-Clutch Engaged

On a 1990 ST185, with cold engine idle (1,200 RPM), transmission in neutral, clutch engaged (clutch pedal not pressed-in), there is a slight rattle noise.

When the clutch starts to be pressed in, the noise goes away.

When the engine is at warm idle (800 RPM), if there is a rattle noise, its so faint it can hardly be noticed.

When transmission is in gear and clutch engaged (we're moving now), no noise.

Is there a typical cause for the rattle noise at this one particular situation on ST185's?

I've looked around and feel there are 2 possible causes (not ST185 specific):
- normal unloaded gear noise in transmission, caused by input shaft rotating with no load on gears
- clutch fork not lubricated

If the cause is gear noise from the transmission caused by it being in neutral and unloaded, my understanding is that this is inherent on some Aisin transmission designs and is considered normal.

If the cause is a lack of lubrication of the clutch fork, this sounds like it is correctable. Where is the lubrication needed, and can it be done without removing anything substantial on the car?

If the cause is something else (ST185 specific), please advise on that.

I consider this a very minor thing - just want to see if this can be resolved easily or not.
 

Menoxz

New member
93celicaconv":3rkp0a7y said:
On a 1990 ST185, with cold engine idle (1,200 RPM), transmission in neutral, clutch engaged (clutch pedal not pressed-in), there is a slight rattle noise.

When the clutch starts to be pressed in, the noise goes away.

When transmission is in gear and clutch engaged (we're moving now), no noise.

Is there a typical cause for the rattle noise at this one particular situation on ST185's?

I've looked around and feel there are 2 possible causes (not ST185 specific):
- normal unloaded gear noise in transmission, caused by input shaft rotating with no load on gears
- clutch fork not lubricated

If the cause is a lack of lubrication of the clutch fork, this sounds like it is correctable. Where is the lubrication needed, and can it be done without removing anything substantial on the car?


I just did a Clutch release bearing replace because I had the exact problems you state, noise when clutch was disengaged, but as soon as I engaged the clutch (Moving the bearing towards the clutch splines) it stopped...
I have no idea if you can lubricate the fork from the outside, I did it when I had the transmission separated from the engine as it was also stated in the manual and mentioned by another GT4 owner, Ryan maroszek I think(Badnews)...

Should the fork fall off the ball it's seated on it could be bad news since it needs to be pushed back into it
 
Now that it is warmer, this issue is not present. And it was a slight issue. A mechanic friend of mine said when the clutch springs start to loosen up and don't have quite the tension, when the clutch is not engaged (springs are at their least tension), it is possible/likely they could rattle slightly. Given the clutch has no other symptoms, and it is generally used in warmer weather, I'm inclined to leave it alone for now.

I've also heard about lubricating the fork. I think this is a good idea, but I have no idea what to lubricate it with nor if it can be done with everything installed. Has anyone in this forum lubricated the fork without any disassembly for these type of symptoms? If yes, did it work? If yes, what did you use and how did you do it?
 

Menoxz

New member
93celicaconv":37pg8cgx said:
Menoxz":37pg8cgx said:
I used moly grease as stated in the bgb
And how did you do it? During a clutch replacement? If not during a clutch replacement, how did you get moly grease to the fork?
I did it when I changed my clutch release bearing....

A sidenote.. There was some noise after the install. I used a mechanic stetoschope and it came from the rod and bearing...
Read online that it could be because if slack in the rod as I only heard it twice
 
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