Mystery clutch noise

[Zaloopa]

Hi folks, I have an 86 vanagon with the jx turbo diesel and manual five speed transmission. The transmission was completely rebuilt last year, after the mechanic put it back in (and commented on my shiny brand new clutch from the year before) I have been having issues. The one I cannot figure out is the noise. it is intermittent but usually showes up at a drive thru where I am on an off the clutch alot. Suddenly it makes a terrible grating metal on metal noise as I release the clutch but before the gear engages. I am wondering if anyone knows what this could be. I want to be prepared before I start taking it apart.

Thanks a bunch

[kevtherev]

What make clutch is it?
Did you replace the release bearing at the same time?

[Zaloopa]

I did not do the job, I am unsure. The clutch job the year ealier was done by a perfectionist and the clutch was good. But not after the tranny was removed and replaced

[kevtherev]

If you can't do the work yourself, the very least you can do is ensure quality parts are fitted by buying them yourself and that's where we can help
Cheap clutches are made of cheese.
As to your problem..
It reads like the release bearing is worn.
Without knowing the quality of the clutch or if the bearing was replaced, it would be my first concern.
If however the clutch ass. is on the quality list, then you're into the gearbox, and that's where I would hope our resident Guru Aidan can possibly help.
As you can imagine remote diagnosis is difficult.

[California Dreamin]

Spigot shaft bearing collapsing.

Martin

[Zaloopa]

I know remote diagnosing is tough and often impossible but getting ideas to the possible causes is helpful. As to quality parts. AA transaxle in washington did the rebuild on the transmission. All the interrior parts were replaced main shaft gears exct...IT was completly wrecked or worn. They have a great reputation for good solid rebuilds and it's expensive but every referral I got said it was worth it. The clutch was done by a guy I know who would not install "pooh" parts...actually told me if I want the cheap parts he will do the work but I get no warranty. I know the throw out bearing was replaced (but the mechanic Is not known to me this was a mid journy transmission fail) because the mechanic sent it to the transaxle place who threw it out...no pun intended. Said they were not worth keeping better to replace it and it was probably replaced by a cheap part ....not sure about the release bearing. It is an intermittent noise that only occurs when I am on and off the clutch alot and the noise is gone once the gears fully engage (the clutch pedal is fully released). it just occurs when I release the clutch at that point where if you were to stay there would be considered "riding the clutch" I have been driving it since Oct. and the noise remains mostly the same and still intermittent. I have a friend willing to walk me through doing the work myself, I do my own CV joints among other jobs and he figures it's not too much of a stretch for me.

[ChrisTriple]

Spigot shaft bearing collapsing.

Martin

Sounds like what happened to me and was the spigot cream crackered

[Zaloopa]

Is this part the same as the "throw out bearing?"

[kevtherev]

Release bearing and throw bearing are the same.
That's the one that opens/closes the clutch.
The spigot bearing supports the output shaft at the crankshaft end.
So as it is clear now regarding good parts, then this suggestion is a good one.