I have a 2002 Mk2.5 1.8 with a 5 speed box. When the engine and transmission get warm (not when cold) the clutch squeaks when I depress or release the clutch pedal. This is not a continuous noise, it only happens when the clutch pedal is being moved.
The noise is quite audible outside the car too, I tried the obvious thing of lubricating the pedal linkage itself, but this made no difference.
Mileage is c70k and from the (incomplete) service paperwork I received from the vendor, it looks like this is the original clutch.
Does anybody know what the cause of this might be and how I might stop it?
I’m sure someone with better knowledge than me will be along shortly, but:
Seems to be quite common when the Slave Cyl end of the pushrod gets dry (like a ball-end in a socket I think…) but I believe it’s awkward to get to. I had a similar prob on my previous Mk 2, accompanied by clutch action being a bit stiff: ended up having the Slave Cyl changed and all lubed, then perfect.
There’s also info in the Tech Forum if you search for “Clutch Squeak”…
Hi PPM, is this happening with the engine running or stationary?
If running then suspect the clutch release bearing. Unfortunately that would mean g’box out so get a garage to diagnose carefully first.
If stationary it may be the clutch slave cylinder pushrod dry on its ends. Remove it and lube both ends with red rubber grease (do not use ordinary grease on the rubber boot end). When you do the rubber boot end check for any fluid inside the boot which would mean a leak so best to change the cyl at the same time.
The noise does not occur when the engine is off and cold, after about 20 minutes of running (irrespective of clutch use or distance covered) the squeak starts every time the pedal is pressed and released.
I think therefore whatever is the source of this is only rubbing/catching when it all gets hot, I’m not sure if this rules out the pushrod or not. I have to think the release bearing may be more likely, and given the mileage I think I may just have to settle for renewing the clutch.
This car also suffers the infamous Mk2.5 clutch judder, so there’s another reason to go for it, especially after the 5 hour drive I had yesterday largely in stop start traffic on the M6 / M1 / M25!
A dab of grease on the end of the short operating rod in the slave cylinder may well fix this. It’s a 10 minute job so do it before you spend any money at a garage.
Now here’s a funny thing; after all the comments and advice, I was stuck in really bad traffic jams 2 days on the trot late last month and the squeaking noise stopped sometime during the jam on the first day.
I listened carefully after I noticed that it had gone, and it did not come back even in the heavy traffic the following day. It has not happened since either and that despite the car only being used evey 10 days or so.
I am going to keep my fingers crossed and my ears open to see if it comes back again, otherwise I’ll presume all is OK (famous last words!).
