02 Camry 5 Spd LE Engine Noise Clutch

[worktoyota]

This has been driving me nuts.

I hear a sound that is almost like a loose heat shield (rattling tin) or better glass jar of coins, when rolling up to about 60 before the wind noise takes over or the sound becomes too shrill to hear.

It is clearest and loudest when at about 30miles an hour in 5th gear and with the windows closed.

The sound completely disappears when i press the clutch in. If I let go it kicks in again.

THE SOUND ALSO IS PRESENT WHEN ROLLING BUT NOT IN GEAR. It still goes away when I press the clutch in.

I have had it looked at by dealer mechanics and all they could find was a loose heat shield that they tightened but which didn't stop the noise. My local mechanic has tried and suggested a few ways to listen and isolate it which we have tried but came up with nothing and I think he is about to throw in the towel.

The verdict overall has been it is not obvious enough, keep driving until it becomes louder and we will look at it then..... this isn't encouraging because the sound is loud enough.

I had the transmission rebuilt under warranty at about 90,000 (currently 122,777 miles) at the same dealership mentioned above and I have the gear oil drained and filled every other or third oil change.

The sound started at about 120,000.

I should probably find out if the rebuild came with a warranty.

What could this be?

I am open to ideas, suggestions, experiences etc.

Thanks

[worktoyota]

By the way I had my Intake manifold replaced about 3 weeks ago and that took care of another noise.

I am also searching through the forum but haven't found anything similar yet.

[JohnGD]

Warranty is typically 1-yr/12K miles.

Just guessing, the problem showed up after about 30K miles - maybe some sort of alignment problem during installation? Loose bolts? And the noise is including idle in neutral? Or just driving in gear?

Maybe try a $3.99 mechanic's stethoscope near the bell housing or lower engine block?

http://www.harborfreight.com/mechani...ope-41966.html

[worktoyota]

CORRECTION!

Noise is present when rolling both in and out of gear.

Noise disappears when clutch is pressed in while rolling, whether in gear or not.

[worktoyota]

By the way, I also had a new clutch put in when they rebuilt the transmission.

[worktoyota]

Update - Toyota mechanic suggested that the noise may be both or one of the PILOT and THROWOUT bearings.

Apparently, the work to replace them requires an overhaul of both the clutch and maybe transmission, about 12 hours work.

The upside is that I can still drive with it.

Comments?