I just purchased a 01 S2000 with less than 3000 miles on it. When I'm upshifting during normal driving, I let the clutch out gradually (I don't just dump it of course). While the clutch pedal is being released gradually, I can hear and feel a noise that sounds like chatter or grind. Is this normal? I must apologize if this seems like a silly question, but this is the first RWD vehicle I've ever owned.

I don't get this noise on downshifts and the clutch still grabs great. Unfortunately, I don't know how the previous owner treated the car, but the interior is impeccable and to me that is usually an indicator of how the car was taken care of as a whole. Is it normal for the S2000 to make this noise? Thanks everyone.

 

Try speedshifting and see what happens. If it doesnt make the noise then speedshift all the time! j/k of course.

 

Does it only happen in certain gears at a certain range of RPM? Does it sound like a heat shield rattling? If so, then it probably is TSB00-54 and should be fixed under warranty by Honda.

 

If you are sure it is the clutch... it could be one of three things.


First gear will show the most dramatic issues...

1.) Are you giving it enough gas? (Probably stupid question...but have to ask these things)

2.) Clutch has had TSB done already and has an aftermarket "aggressive" clutch

3.) Clutch disk has oil on it... probably from a bad rear main crankshaft seal (3k miles... you are still under warranty so don't sweat it)

Regardless... take it in to the dealer. Just don't tell them it is used.

 

Also....

Quick test of your clutch.

Drive around in 4th at 35mph... then floor it. If the RPMs go up and you don't go any faster... new clutch time.

 

my clutch had a recall check in to that

 

that does sound like a clutch problem

 

Rather than chatter or a grind, does it sound more like a subtle growl? If you upshift and aren't within 500 rpm or so of the proper rpm in the next gear letting the clutch out slowly can produce a subtle growling noise while the engine and clutch speeds match up. Get the rpms close and you won't hear it at all regardless of how slowly you let the clutch out.

 

how slow should you be letting the clutch out?

 

It is probably better on the clutch to let it out quickly. The slower you let the clutch engage, the more it will slip, which can cause it to glaze over. Think about how much less heat the brakes would generate, if you just instantaneously locked them up every time you stopped.

I think the noise that you are hearing is normal for this car. I've been complaining about the clutch "rattle" in my '02 ever since I bought it. It hasn't gotten any better or worse in the past 12K miles. I think it is just a noisy throw out bearing, since it only rattles while the clutch is being engaged.