Facts first: I have a 2004 xB manual transmission with 47000 miles.

About a month ago I started to notice that the clutch/transmission was making some minor excess noise (almost like a clattering type of sound). I replaced the transmission fluid with royal purple thinking that it might just be gear noise. although that improved the shifting mechanism, it did not solve my problem. The noise is still there and I have noticed that it happens even when the car is not in gear. it only happens at low rpms. The car still shifts just fine and the clutch still grabs like a new clutch. Once i put even the slightest amount of pressure on the clutch the noise goes away. the only way i can describe the sound is it sounds like either bearing slightly grinding or some sort of metal on metal contact.

I unfortunately do not know much about clutches and I am at a loss as to what it could be. If anyone out there knows more about clutches and can think of some possibilities that would be great. I plan on taking it to the dealer soon to get it straightened out but i always like going with a little bit of back ground information first.

Like always, thanks for the help!

i had a "chattering" sound at cold engine temps. Would go away at warm idle, and at cold idle if i put slight pressure on the clutch. Turns out that my axle back had come slightly loose at the rear flange, and the chatter was both pipes rattleing at high idle speed. Tightened them bolts up, and the noise went away. Hope your issue is as easy to correct as mine. Hope it isn't your throw out bearing, but from what i understand, that would only make noise when you push in the clutch. I could be wrong, I am no clutch expert.
Good luck, and let us know what it was once fixed!

Thanks I will check that out when I get home today. Let's hope it is just a loose bolt... :pray:

could be the throw out bearing from the sounds of it

that is two votes for a throw out bearing, if that is the case do i need to replace the whole clutch assembly or can i just replace the bearing itself? Cost?

you'de be better off replacing the whole clutch provided it isn't brand new, since you have to take it out anyway. I would upgrade to a stage 1 clutch. Would be a great time for a lightened flywheel as well...

clutch + t/o bearing = $200-300 parts depending on brand..
Labor = off hand dont know, but it would be more expencive then the clutch itself.

Hope thats not your problem, unless you want a new clutch!

here is the deal:

I talked to a mechanic that i trust that work for scion and he said it definitely sounds like the throw-out bearing. estimated cost for the dealer ship to replace it is $1400. so that is a no. He said that it should not cause any damage to the transmission but to keep my eye out for future issues with the clutch.

conclusion: when i am ready to replace the clutch assembly i will replace the throw-out bearing and upgrade everything all at once. but sense i only have 47000 miles on the clutch it is way too early to replace everything. until then i will live with it unless things get worse.

Again, thanks for the help! I'm really glad some of you guys are out there and willing to help us novices!

47k pretty low, an engine/tranny brace makes a simliar sounding noise when really tight.? justa thought..

thank you. i will take any and all advice. i will look into it but i am pretty sure its the throw-out bearing.

Thanks!

happened to my integra before...
i know exactly what you are talking about...
and it is your throw out bearing