wookie in my drivetrain!

[trentjim]

Anybody care to speculate on a new acoustic phenomena that my van has begun to display...

as the clutch pedal is released when pulling off there is a growl/groan noise - fairly loud really. hard to describe but is got a resonant quality that kind of sounds like someone torturing a wookie in the bellhousing. when it began it was only occasional - but now it occurs almost every time I pull off from a standstill - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and reverse. it seems to be only for a second or so while the clutch is engaging - once engaged all is normal.
there is no noise from gear changes once in motion.
Clutch is about 13years old/ 40ishK.



 

[Stesaw]

Release bearing is probably shot, or the clutch itself I suppose if its old/worn

[trentjim]

my past experience of release bearing was noisy while clutch depressed (drivetrain disengaged/ disengaging) rather than a brief noise as the drivetrain engages.
my suspicion is something "going on" at the flywheel/clutch plate interface but how malignant vs benign is the question i'm looking to resolve (tring to resolve how far do I gamble/ watchful wait vs empty my wallet and replace the lot - only to then find the noise still there knowing my luck!)
 

[Aidan]

so you have an TDi engine upgrade - was the gearbox built for that (ie changed final drive ratio and or altered 5th gear ratio, and other strengthening mods), which clutch set up/input shaft do you have, how long since you did a gearbox oil change (ie have you seen the build up on he drain plug magnet recently ?)
The answer to your question can only be arrived at with a bit more knowledge of the facts, a solid 215mm flywheel and relatively overstressed clutch set up is a different animal with a different life expectancy to a 228mm dual mass flywheel and clutch set up. Do you even have a stock VW gearbox or is it a flipped passat box ? Different things. How many miles on this clutch ?