Ok so after putting in a new clutch and flywheel I hear a sound right at the point of friction between the clutch plate and flywheel. When I turn the car on, for example, and leave it in neutral, I leave the clutch pedal all the way down so that there is no linkage between the engine and transmission yet. Then when I let up on the clutch pedal, I hear a slight grinding or rattling sound as it engages. Once the clutch is fully engaged the sound goes away. Now that the tranny is moving the same speed as the engine, i can depress the clutch on and off many times without it making a noise. When I throw it into first gear though, and try to start movin', I hear that noise again. This happens ONLY when there is friction going on between the clutch plate and flywheel. I was told by a fellow mechanic to just drive around and see if it goes away (wears down). Has anyone experienced this problem before? I'd like to get your opinions before I drive it around town.

 

Did you also replace the pressure plate, the pilot bushing/bearing, and the throw-out bearing? Are you getting any kind of a chatter too, or just the noise?

 

Yes I bought a clutch kit that came with all that. I'm not getting any chatter, just this slight grinding kinda noise. I showed it to a friend that has changed about 4 clutches on firebirds/camaros and he said he never heard of this.