Ticking noise during clutch engagement
 

Started two days ago. Somewhat inconsistent (sometimes happens sometimes not)

Symptoms: Not ticking w/clutch fully engaged (in gear, neutral, pedal up)
Ticks as clutch pedal is depressed regardless of gear
Ticking stops once clutch fully disengaged (pedal on the floor)
Rate of ticking is rpm dependent (as one would guess)

Yes I will check the tranny fluid in the morning but no prior signs of leak

Ideas?

Is that a hydraulic clutch, derf? If so, check you slave and master cylinder for low fluid or leaks.

I don't normally get into the transmission discussions - ain't my forte. However, from what you describe, sounds like something to do with the clutch disk, pressure plate, throwout bearing area. With the clutch fully depressed, the sound stops (so does the rotation of the clutch disk, and the input shaft to the transmission). Could the damper springs on the clutch disk itself be broken ???

I agree sounds like there is some going on in the clutch area I not sure that it would be a broken spring. I had a broken spring in the pressure plate once and it jerked when you let the clutch out. But it could be that. I would be thinking more about one of the fingers the release bearing rides on might be broken. Or even the release bearing may have an issue.

My guess would be throwout bearing or pilot bearing. I would run it until it stops working. If either fail, you won't be able to put it in gear with the clutch pedal depressed.

Thank you all for your insightful and sunny outlook on my 97SC2 situation.
I need to learn about trannys one of these days
prob the day I can no longer shift

What sux is the car has a saturn rebuilt motor in it with only 60k on it which purrs like a kitten...

The throw out bearing spins and spins and likes to talk now and then. Sounds like a clutch job is in your future. If your going to do all the work to take the tranny out, replace everything before you put it back in.

^ agreed, be a shame to drop the trans just to have pressure plate or clutch plate problems shortly down the road.

If it stuck in gear even when you step on the clutch then check your slave and or master cylinder

Not stuck in gear. Worse yet, the clutch in there is already a replacement with 90% of its life yet. Not looking forward to addressing this issue. It's an "around town" errand car for now -- I drive my 95 SC2 instead.