Bad throwout bearing?

[Wowens79]

My TJ has been rumbling in neutral with the clutch pedal released. Today it felt kinda funny, and I'm getting a squeal/grind/rattle when the clutch is starting to grab. It is louder with more load, like uphill start, or starting in second.

I'm thinking thowout bearing?

If the throwout bearing, while I'm in there should I replace the clutch? I've got 140k on it, but it had 135k on it when I bought it, no clue if the clutch has been replaced.

Any recommendations for bearing and clutch brands?

Thanks

 

[bromel]

Rumbling in neutral is typical for your NV3550. Nothing to do with the throwout bearing since the clutch is engaged; it's the input shaft spinning the bearings. You can quiet it slightly with new fluid—try Redline MTL.

The squeal however could be the throwout bearing, if it happens when you push the clutch pedal in. But if you're hearing these noises when you take off, it's probably time to replace the clutch. Are you experiencing any slipping? 140k is about right.

I'd only use the OEM Luk kit. Some people replace the plastic throwout bearing the Luk kit comes with for a metal one from National. (National 614093 I believe). I can't say which is better, but others will chime in.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CICYZ4/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[06TJ35's]

X2 Luk with national metal throwout bearing.

 

[Wowens79]

Thanks,
I also just noticed the clutch is not totally disengaging. In 1st it will start moving on level ground the the clutch pushed it.

I replaced the fluid with the Redline a couple of months ago, and it made it a little more quiet, but is still much noisier than my daughters 2001 with the same tranny.

Thanks for the heads up on the plastic vs metal bearing, I'll go with the metal one.

 

[bromel]

Check your clutch fluid. Might just be you need to replace your master cylinder. Much quicker job.

 

[AndyG]

Make sure they mix antisieze and grease and coat the pivot points if you can .

 

[Wowens79]

Thanks for the info I've got a LUK clutch kit and the national throw out bearing that will be here Sat. My son and I are going to start pulling it apart tomorrow night

 

[ac_]

If you have your clutch pedal on the floor and the jeep starts to move, that is your hydraulics. You are going to want to replace your master cylinder and slave cylinder. What is happening is the fluid is going passed the piston in the master. You can buy a complete kit already bled ready to go plug and play.