I fired up my car today and I noticed a faint squeaking noise coming from the engine bay. I have tried all day to try and find the problem and I have pinpointed where the noise is coming from.

I got underneath the car and it sounds like it is coming from the oil pan/flywheel cover area. It is a faint but noticable squeak and it really concerns me because of where it is coming from. It sounds a lot like a squeaky belt but all the belts are tightened to spec and the noise isn't coming from there. There doesn't seem to be a loss of power at all, just an annoying squeak. Does anyone know what could be the problem or how I could pinpoint the problem?

 

whens the last time you changed your belts?

 

About 8 months ago. It isn't the belts as I have checked the tension and the noise isn't coming from where the belts are. It is coming from the oilpan and flywheel cover.

 

Throwout bearing lubed? Does it do it in gear, or in neutral? Does the noise change with revs?

 

It makes the noise in neutral and primarily when the engine is under vacuum. I don't need to worry much if it is a throwout bearing since my clutch will be replaced pretty soon. It was just replaced about a year ago, so I don't know how the throwout bearing would be bad already. I was hoping it wasn't the signs of a spun bearing or something because I need to drive it to work and school everyday and I can't afford an engine rebuild right now.

 

I know this isn't even comparable but with my 94 S10 (5 speed) in neutral there's a rattling/squeeking noise....i know it's the release bearing goin but i've driven it like that for like 2 years and nothing has happend yet.....mind you i've taken it easy on it. Either way, i'm guessing it's a bearing...Just keep monitoring it as time goes on.....it shouldn't be a life or death situation right now but just keep listening for anything getting worse.

 

do u cold start your car alot

 

Yes, but I usually allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature before boosting or driving it hard.

 

Spun rod bearings don't squeak, they produce rod knock..a low pitched metal on metal knocking noise coming from the block. I think its the throwout bearing.

 

So what does that mean? Should I think about replacing my clutch/flywheel earlier than I wanted to? How long is it safe to drive with it like that?