Scratching behind the bell housing?

[MtnRanger160]

This has probably gone on for about a year and a half, but now it's bugging me. This scratching noise sounds bad, but truthfully the vehicle works fine. Transmission doesn't slip, but a little into 2nd gear when it's not warmed up. The pulleys are in order, none of them corroded or loose and the belt is still working fine with no tears. Changed out trans fluid with MTL two weeks ago but this problem has been around for a while. Any ideas? I should mention that when I changed the fluid I found some shavings in the drain plug (photo attached)

Trans: NSG370 (6speed)
109,700mi

 

[03coloradowrangler]

does the noise change when pressing the clutch pedal?

 

[MtnRanger160]

does the noise change when pressing the clutch pedal?

No, the clutch depressed doesn't change anything. Figured maybe the throwout bearing is going out based on some videos but I'm not sure. It's not affecting my shifting or ride quality at all.

 

[03coloradowrangler]

possibly pilot bearing, but i would suspect it would stop when in gear.
im just guessing here. if it changed while pushing clutch pedal id suspect throwout bearing but when the input shaft isnt free spinning in the pilot bearing (like while in gear) id expect the noise to stop.

maybe others have some other thoughts.

 

[MtnRanger160]

I've exhausted myself researching and can't find anything with answers. I don't want to remove the trans either because it's still working just fine.

 

[Tjrubicon]

My TJ made a very, very similar noise just the other day. It only has done it once driving home, I drove it today but no noise occurred. However it would only make the sound once I hit 25-30 mph. Not at a stop or slow roll. I thought it sounded like the chain in the Tcase. Went to check my tcase fluid but fill plugged stripped out. So now gotta figure that out. Mine is an 03 TJR with automatic trans. Would love to know what the noise is.

 

[MtnRanger160]

Sorry to hear about that. After watching a few other videos it might have something to do with the flywheel bolts maybe being loose. I did gather I’m missing a housing cover bolt too but I don’t think replacing that would help. I’ll post again when I have time to pull the housing off and inspect it. Meanwhile, best of luck on figuring out your issues too

 

[MtnRanger160]

Trying to revive this for some help. Here’s a short video I took. This vehicle has its problems and I’ve figured them out, except this one and an oil leak that may be the RMS...it’s eluding me and I can’t figure it out. I attempted to take of the housing cover but it didn’t seem like it was possible. Maybe I’m doing it wrong? Is it possible this could be a bolt backing out by the flywheel and it’s scratching?

 

[MtnRanger160]

It’s been getting in the negatives here in Kansas and since then, my ride is acting up again. Now it makes this noise at first until it warms up. I’m thinking maybe it’s a pilot bearing that’s bad (probably what the scratching is) but not sure about this new sound. It shifts just fine and never slips though. It hasn’t given me any reason to tear the tranny down yet. Any thoughts?