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Classic/Antique Car Repair/clutch noise?? 51 chevy

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Expert: - 5/25/2009


Question
QUESTION: i am having a problem with a "growling" noise. tranny was rebuilt and shifts smoothly. rear end has fluid as does tranny. noise whines/growls when you let off clutch upon acceleration and continues while driving. it goes away when you push in clutch and at idle/neutral. throwout bearing is also new and so is pilot bearing. i can't figure it out. can any one help???

ANSWER: Is the noise there when running the engine with the transmission in neutral and your foot off the clutch? Let me know.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: no just when your driving down the road. or if i have the rear end up on stands. seems like only when there is a load on transmission. sorry engine and tranny is a 51 chevy 216/3 speed manual.

Answer
As I see it the problem could be the following:
The rear bearing area including the snap ring popped off, the U joint spacer missing, or the U joint of ball adjustment.
Now because the noise will happen with the engine running in gear with the vehicle on stands, I would check it with a mechanics stethoscope. It will pin point the noise.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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