Hi guys,

I have a 2011 Mustang GT that I just purchased used, it has 24k miles. Occasionally, when pressing in the clutch, it sounds like a bag of rocks dropping on concrete. I usually only hear it when in first gear in parking lots and things like that, and not all the time, although not sure if low speed is a factor or I just cant hear it at high speeds. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

hi, welcome to the forum! ( from another Mustang owner trapped in WI).

Usually noises that occur when pressing in the clutch are related to the throw out bearing or the pilot bushing. It would help to know- does it ever happen in neutral? When stopped in first gear? How long does it last?

 

Thanks! and yes "trapped" is the perfect word to use when talking about the car here in the winter!


I notice it the most when I am in first gear and am slowing to a stop (like pulling in a parking spot) and I press the clutch in. The noise is only heard right as I am pushing in the pedal, it is short and there is no noise once the pedal is depressed or when lifting the pedal back up.

 

It's the pilot bearing.
If the TO bearing was at fault, the noise would be present with the pedal up and go away when you depress it.

 

It's the TB. Pilot bearings almost never go bad and are usually accompanied by vibrations in the shifter. Either way, you are pulling the trans so, grab a new clutch, TB, and PB and go to town, since you are in there. Might as well throw that new X pipe on there while you are at it, too.

 

Yea, I think it's the TB too. In addition to what P51C said, I would probably replace the rear main crank seal too.