Hi,

My 99Protege with 142K miles, is sounding really loud lately. It started since 2-3 months. It runs fine but the pick-up little slow compared to previous performance. I could easily tell the difference even when it is idling. I havent changed the timing belt on this, but could it be related? Has anyone else came across this?

Please suggest,

thanks

 

No one else seen this before?

 

It could be the timing belt having jumped a tooth. But then it could be a ton of other things. You don't give enough detail.

 

Hi, My timing belt looks good. One thing to note, if I press the clutch, the noise goes away and the engine sounds really smooth. I suspect it is the main transmission bearing. Any idea? Also, while in drive, if I press the clutch and down shift, it revs high.. as if I did not press the clutch and the transmission is still engaged. Please let me know,

thanks

 

My first thought was: throw out bearing. But a bad throw out bearing should be noisy under load when you push the clutch.

Then the revving made me scratch the head. But I think the clutch doesn't separate when you step on the pedal.

First I would check the hydraulics: Is there enough fluid in the reservoir (one chamber in the brake fluid reservoir) and is it clean? Then check master and slave cylinders for leaks and operation.

If the hydraulics are good then I think you need a new clutch including flywheel surfacing.

 

Hi, I took it to the mechanic and he said there are metal pieces in the transmission and it is going bad. He said there is nothing we can do about it except changing the transmission. Does that sound right. I brought the car back, and driving it around. It runs great except the noise.

The cost of transmission is high, its not worth to do the work on this car. So, I am thinking of selling it and buy a new car.

Please suggest.

 

Your mechanic is probably be right. Maybe you can drain the oil and see if there is metal coming out. I can't get the oil filler plug on mine to move, so check that first before you drain the oil.
You can also look for a used transmission from a junk yard. That's what I would do if the rest of the car is decent. After all you won't get much money for it when it makes that noise.

 

Thanks for your views Tanprotege. Mechanic told me it will cost $1300 for the work and for transmission from junk yard. But he told me that the car might get sold for $1000.. So, I am going to sell it off and get a new/used car.

Thanks again.