Whining sound when engaging clutch pedal

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

Want to get your opinions on an issue I’ve been having. It started last weekend when I couldn’t get my S4 to go into any of the gears. The car was running at the time (cold start) and seemed completely normal expect for the gear issue. Basically, each time I tried to put into any gear it would fight against me and make a light grinding noise. It lasted only a few minutes and after restarting the car I was able to get it into all the gears. It drove fine afterwards.

Now a couple of days later, I’m getting a really quiet whining sound when I engage the clutch pedal. Unfortunately, It’s probably to quiet to record on a video thanks to my exhaust. But it almost sounds like when you turn the wheel all the way to one side and the power steering pump starts to struggle. It happens every time I engage the clutch pedal but the car still drives 100% normal.

After some research, I’m thinking it might be one of the following:

-throw out bearing
-slave cylinder failing
-or my clutch is going needs to be replaced

My car is a 2005.5 S4 with 69k miles on it. It’s never been tracked and only launched a couple of times. The brake/clutch fluid was recently changed with ATE Super Blue. I’ve never had any type of clutch slippage that I’ve noticed.

I really don’t have a lot of knowledge about transmissions. I’m more of a shade tree mechanic that does my own engine/brake work so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m thinking the slave cylinder is the only issue that I could tackle on my own since the throw out bearing or clutch would require a transmission pull, correct?

#2

First check your fluid levels: power steering, brake fluid, transmission, coolant, and oil. Make sure they are all okay. If you have a lift or four jack stands then you can check the manual trans fluid by pulling the fill plug that is on the driver’s side next to where the axle bolts up. The fill plug is a 10mm allen bolt and the fluid level should be right below the fill plug. It also helps a lot if the car is level when raised which is why I said if you have a lift or four jack stands.

Usually a whining noise that gets louder when you move the steering wheel is power steering related. So I just want to rule that out. Since it may not be related to your getting into gear issue.

Then if your having issues getting into gear you want to add checking over the shift linkage to your list. The shift linkage and slave cylinder can be checked without removing the transmission. The shifter should have no upward movement. If you can pull up on the shift knob and there is noticeable movement then you shifter has play. After you do that take a look under the car and have someone shift between different gears with the engine off and then on to see if it makes a difference. I will tell you launches are hard on the crappy slave cylinders. Since your car is a 2005.5 than it has the newer style crappy slave cylinder but you still want to look to make sure the slave cylinder is still in one piece and has not moved out of alignment.

#3

Just to clear something up, the noise only occurs from pushing in the clutch pedal. I brought up the sound of power steering whine just for the sake of comparison since the noise would be difficult to capture on video. My power steering on the S4 does not whine, but the clutch whine that I’m getting reminds me of power steering whine that I’ve heard on other cars. The whining noise doesn’t change it’s level of volume at all, it’s just doing it or not doing it. When I put the clutch in =whine, clutch out = no whine.

I can say that the fluid levels are all fine with the exception of the gear oil in the trans. I haven’t changed that yet, but was planning to change it very soon. It’s the original fluid with almost 70k on it. I have inspected the trans and rear diff and did not notice any fluid leaking. The oil, coolant, power steering and brake/clutch fluid are checked and changed regularly.

The shifter linkage is a great idea that I didn’t think of. I will definitely check that tonight. Thanks for the tip. When checking under the car while someone is shifting, what am I looking for exactly? Should I be watching the slave cylinder or something else?

I’m planning on crawling under there to inspect the slave cylinder tonight. I would be ecstatic it it turned out to be that. That’s a relatively cheap and easy replacement that I can do on my own. Probably grab the upgraded metal one from USP.

Thanks for the detailed response JB, I really appreciate it.

#4

I’m guessing the release bearing but I’m no mechanic :slight_smile:

#5

Hmmm, the shifter has significant upward play in it. And thinking back on it, it’s always been that way since I bought the car. Looks like I’ll be pulling apart my interior in the coming weeks.

I didn’t get a chance to check the slave cylinder last night, had to pack for a weekend trip. The car will be parked til I get back though so I’ll check it then.

Is that the same as the throw out bearing?

#6

It is. Mine was making noise at one point. Got it replaced. Unfortunately, it didn’t fix my on-going clutch pedal issue but it fixed the noise.

#7

Do you recall what it takes to replace it? Or even how much it cost you?

#8

The part itself is small and not that expensive. It’s getting to the clutch that’s a pain. More or less the same price as replacing a clutch labour wise.

#9

I had used the OEM bearing when I did my JHM clutch swap. I didn’t have any issues for a long time then the bearing that I was suposed to replace went bad and started squeeking.

To replace it you have to remove the transmission.