Hi all,

Bought a 91 Camaro RS 305 with a 5 speed about a month ago and haven't had any major problems, however it's started making a strange humming noise now whenever its running.

It's difficult to describe the sound, but it's similar to the sound of when an older car is low on power steering fluid and the pump makes a whining noise when you crank the wheel. However it does this all the time.

The only times it seems to stop are when I engage the clutch, or cruising in 5th gear. Or perhaps I just can't hear it in 5th gear.

I checked the transmission fluid level and it's fine (takes automatic transmission fluid oddly enough), and the power steering fluid and it's also full as it should be. So my guess is it's the clutch, I'm having no problems with the clutch, but pressing the clutch seems to stop the sound.

I read in the manual it could be a worn bearing or pressure plate. I had planned on replacing the clutch anyway, but wanted to check here in case someone else had encountered the same scenario.

Thanks!

 

Sounds like a bad input shaft bearing in the trans. Pretty common problem.

 

Is that difficult to fix?

I mean, does it require the tranny to be replaced or dropped?

 

Does it stop when you just put a little pressure on the pedal?(clutch release bearing)

or when you fully engage the clutch, so the tranny stops spinning? (internal tranny problem)

 

It stops when I apply even a little pressure to the clutch.


So it's more likely the clutch release bearing?

A quick response would be great as I plan on buying the part today and heading over to the auto hobby shop to install it.

Should I just buy a whole new clutch kit or is the bearing mentioned not included in that?

 

If it's noisy in neutral with the clutch down, it's probably the release bearing. Noisy in neutral with the clutch up is probably the front input bearing.

 

It only makes the noise when the clutch is up. (disengaged)

Ok so input bearing it is....is that a major pain to replace? I have access to a lift and pretty much any tool.

Called autozone and they have them in stock for 15 bucks.

Thanks guys, looks like I'm gonna have to invest in a shop manual though. Not sure if the general manual I got for 25$ at autozone is gonna cover this.