I have a 97 TF 4 cyl Manual. There is a bearing like wop wop wop noise that increases in speed comensurate with the car coming through to the cabin when I take of in 1st gear. It is not as noticable in other gears. Sounds like a dud gearbox but I don't know.

Can anyone tell me what I should hear if it is a thrust bearing, and output shaft bearing. Or, does this sound like a gearbox internals problem. Only happens on the move, no noise when stationary or in neatral and rolling.

I would very much appreciate any advice offered as I am getting scared. Only just got the car and did not pick up the noise in the test drive.

Glen

if it's an "ecentric" noise in 1st gear only than I would suspect you have chipped a tooth off a gear. (dropping the clutch does this) the tooth is probably sitting on the magnet on the gearbox drain bung.
if it is worn shaft bearings then at idle the gearbox would be alot noiser in neutral clutch out and quiet clutch in.
drop the gear oil and have a look or feel inside the gearbox drain for any loose bits especially gear teeth.

The noise is there in other gears but not as noticable. Box actually feels quite good. Smooth to change and no grinding or any other nasty signs that would suggest a box problem. The fact that when I am idling with clutch out and there is no noise at all would suggest that the box bearings are OK before the input area. If it only happens whilst in motion would seem to suggest either the input end of the box is making noise or thrust bearing is shot.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

Glen

Now starting to think it may be a constant velocity (CV) joint. Makes noise more when warmed up, and will make the wop wop wop when going in a straight line but will go quiet when turning.

not a wheel bearing? last year my left rear wheel bearing collapsed and it made that sort of noise.
Could also be the handbrake, very common problem and suffons the same symptoms you are describing. Lift the handbrake up slightly while driving slowly and if the noise goes away then thats your problem.

Definately coming from the front passenger side. Will try the handbrake trick though.

not a wheel bearing? last year my left rear wheel bearing collapsed and it made that sort of noise.
Could also be the handbrake, very common problem and suffons the same symptoms you are describing. Lift the handbrake up slightly while driving slowly and if the noise goes away then thats your problem.

Yeah I also have 2 wheel bearings fail, both on 2 different TFs and both on the front left wheel?????? :shock:

It turned out to be gearbox internals. In particular the "layshaft" bearing. So sad- too bad. MMCA crap. Before you get upset at this comment, I don't mean it.

What's this gunna cost. I had a similar drama and was quoted between $800 and $2500 for the EXACT same work. Guess who got the job.

Will only end up around $7-800. But have mate in the business who will ensure costs stay within realms of reality for me.

Most of the costs involved is in the removal & replacement of the box.

What did yours do to make you diagnose the problem?

Job is now complete and car is back on the road. It was not the layshafy bearing. It was the input shaft bearing. It had a gouged up ball inn the race and was creating some awfull noises when under load, in particular lateral load and not thrust load.

Had it replaced by someone I know in the business and cost $380.00 all up. Parts included 2x seals, 1 X NSK bearing and new oil. Job was cheap, but had to wait about 6 weeks to get it done. Weigh that up yourselves.

Thanks for all comments
GM TF97