gate81

every so often, I get a screeching noise when I release the clutch to go into first gear from a standing stop. any thoughts as to what is the cause?

RickM

If it's squealing when you've fully released the clutch pedal, then it sounds like the plate isn't making full contact, so there's slippage causing friction that's generating noise (and heat) -- probably the clutch plate is excessively worn or distorted. I'm guessing that the sound is worse, and more prolonged, if you try to accelerate hard, and absent or of much shorter duration if you accelerate very gently. If so, one thing's for sure: it'll only get worse if you do nothing about it. If it's the clutch, you're probably also getting some jittery feeling through the clutch pedal indicating that poor contact is being made. Are you noticing any slippage other than the noise itself? My guess is that if you aren't now you soon will. And by then you risk getting stranded somewhere. It's <i>conceivable</i> that there could be some oil that's causing the slippage and that the clutch doesn't need to be replaced, but in all events you wanna have it looked at immediately.

Totalled SuperChargeA4

bring it to the dealer, be presistance about it squeaks, they'll try to lube it first, if it doesn't help, have them replace it, parts is about 180-230 depending on years and about 1.5hrs labor

James R.

get one newbie credit :-)

It's your throwout bearing 99% likley..my 99 car did this, would only happen sometimes when you let the clutch out just right. It's major work to fix...the tranny has to be dropped and the whole 9 yards...while they're in there have them do the pilot bearing. If you're out of warranty have them do the clutch too.

Best Regards,

James R.