1. Whenever I press the brake, my steering wheel turns to the left slightly and then back to the center. It's almost like a little pop. It happens both when the car is moving and when it isn't. I can sit at a stop light and tap the brake continuously and the wheel will pop every time. Any ideas?

2. Whenever I start my car, I let it idle in neutral for several minutes berfore I leave. I have noticed there is a light screetchy / shearing type sound coming from underneath....seems to be right near the trans bell housing. The sound has gotten progressively louder over the past few weeks. It is almost rythmic, but not quite. It sounds similar to cutting with a lathe. When I press the clutch, the sound goes away. Any ideas?

I could really use some help here.....thanks in advance.

 

#1- Sorry, no idea on this one.

#2- Sounds like your throwout bearing going bad.

 

Can't help you with #1 either, but I concur that #2 sounds like your throwout bearing. Mine was doing the same thing before I replaced it. It may be time to start thinking about your next clutch.

 

I thought that the throwout bearing would only make noise when the clutch is pressed??

I don't have a way to post a soundclip, but my car is doing exactly what the lexus in this video is doing, just not as consistant:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdVJ5vnO6Jg

Combing through some stuff on the internet, I have heard of people changing the stock clutch quadrant out to an aluminum one with an adjustable clutch cable....does this sound like the same issue??

 

I have tried adjusting my clutch....but I believe it is kicking my ****. My clutch pedal only lifts about 1/4 - 1/2 inch when I push / pull up on it. Does this sound about right, or should there be more travel for adjustment.

I found a write up on how to adjust the quadrant & ratchet mechanism on the pedal assembly, but I am having a hell of a time working it. The clutch pedal and the quadrant hook tab (pawl?) do not want to move independent of one another.

Any suggestions / input?

 

Honestly, I think you're wasting your time trying to adjust your clutch. Your problem is with the throwout bearing most likely. The billet quadrants and firewall adjusters are great though. I installed the Steeda set up in my car when I installed the clutch. I highly recommend that if and when you have your clutch replaced. It makes adjusting the cable a breeze simply by turning the **** on the firewall. You can dial it in perfectly.

 

#1 sounds like a frozen/sticking caliper or worn tie rods/ ball joints.
#2 is your throw out bearing, replace it before you damage your pressure plate

 

I am looking into some parts from American Muscle....let me know what you guys think.

I've searched and found mixed mixed reviews about spec clutches. My car is my daily driver and the stock clutch has worked fine for me, so I am not looking to upgrade substantially; however, I will eventually add some hp, but probably stay under 350.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/noname3.html

http://www.americanmuscle.com/spec-s...50-clutch.html

 

SPEC clutches, in and of themselves, are pretty good. It's their throwout bearings that suck. Replace your tob with an OEM one.