Squeaky Transmission In Norcal

[StewPididiot]

We just completed our build and got the car on the road. After 50 miles or so we started hearing a loud squeak. It sounds like a chirping bird - i.e. bearing noise.
It's associated with the transmission, which is a new T5 from Summit, properly filled with ATF during the build.

The noise only happens when the car is in gear, any gear, under power going down the road. When the clutch pedal is depressed the noise stops. In my view this probably rules out the throw out bearing, because the TOB would be working its hardest when the clutch is pressed. So my guess is that it's the pilot bushing. But hey any thoughts, suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Assuming I am correct I think I am going to need some assistance. The engine & trans went in as a unit (302+T5), and I don't think I have the physical stamina at my age to work under the car laying on my back pulling the trans to get to the clutch. If anyone is from the Sacramento, CA area and knows of a reputable mech that could work on a MKIV, I would sure appreciate the referral.

[StangRacer]

I believe it could still be the throwout bearing... really tough to diagnose without being there. If you have a clutch cable have you tried adjusting the cable? Maybe try taking some pressure off the clutch fingers or try applying a little more.

If you were in Virginia I would come do it for you as I am in another "waiting for parts" period and actually have a free weekend.

[SteveHsr]

Squeaky chirp sometimes a bad universal joint.

[J R Jones]

When you push-in the clutch you stop the trans input shaft and the friction disc from turning, the flywheel and clutch still turn. Clutch disc interference?
I am not a T5 authority but most current transmissions are 1:1 in fourth gear. That means the transmission input shaft and output shaft turn together, eliminating most other transmission part load, clutch in or out.
The condition you describe involves a torque reaction, and rolling of the powertrain. Look for unassociated interference. A microphone may help troubleshoot.
You do not get the noise on deceleration in all gears or neutral?
jim

[weendoggy]

The Ford T/O bearing is meant to ride the clutch fingers. It should be tight/snug against the cover. Does it make noise at idle? Decel? Don't just think it's the pilot bushing/bearing because it's always spinning no matter what.

[rich grsc]

Did you use the dust cover for the clutch arm? Almost no one does, but if you did that might rub

[StewPididiot]

I believe it could still be the throwout bearing... really tough to diagnose without being there. If you have a clutch cable have you tried adjusting the cable? Maybe try taking some pressure off the clutch fingers or try applying a little more.

If you were in Virginia I would come do it for you as I am in another "waiting for parts" period and actually have a free weekend.

Much appreciated. It's a hydraulic slave cylinder setup. I think I can bleed it again then attempt to add a small amount of preload. Maybe that will help.
Yeah it would be a pretty long trip to Sacramento to help with my clutch, but the thought counts! Thanks!!

[StewPididiot]

The Ford T/O bearing is meant to ride the clutch fingers. It should be tight/snug against the cover. Does it make noise at idle? Decel? Don't just think it's the pilot bushing/bearing because it's always spinning no matter what.

You make a really good point here. I just got off of a long trip and read lots of guys talking about preload on T5 setups. Now I just need to figure out how to do that with a slave cylinder hydraulic setup. I think I might need a long rod LOL

[StewPididiot]

When you push-in the clutch you stop the trans input shaft and the friction disc from turning, the flywheel and clutch still turn. Clutch disc interference?
I am not a T5 authority but most current transmissions are 1:1 in fourth gear. That means the transmission input shaft and output shaft turn together, eliminating most other transmission part load, clutch in or out.
The condition you describe involves a torque reaction, and rolling of the powertrain. Look for unassociated interference. A microphone may help troubleshoot.
You do not get the noise on deceleration in all gears or neutral?
jim

The squeaking only happens when its in gear rolling down the road. If I have it in neutral, or if its in any gear rolling or stopped with the clutch pedal on the floor it does not squeak. I'm going to tighten it up with the hope that I don't have to take it apart to change a bearing or bushing.

[J R Jones]

Stew,
Maybe you missed the part about torque reaction.
Under power the engine and trans rotate to the right (I think). It displaces in a clockwise direction, viewed from the seat. If you do not want to look for interference like exhaust parts to something near them, you could block/shim the engine to limit movement. A wood block wedge in the engine mount(s) or something like that.
Alternatively you could loosen the engine mounts and pry the engine in the opposite direction to see if it helps. If that reduces the noise, then find the interference.
jim

[StewPididiot]

Stew,
Maybe you missed the part about torque reaction.
Under power the engine and trans rotate to the right (I think). It displaces in a clockwise direction, viewed from the seat. If you do not want to look for interference like exhaust parts to something near them, you could block/shim the engine to limit movement. A wood block wedge in the engine mount(s) or something like that.
Alternatively you could loosen the engine mounts and pry the engine in the opposite direction to see if it helps. If that reduces the noise, then find the interference.
jim

Thanks Jim. Yeah, I don't think I understood your first post. I'll look into this.