Clutch Release bearing noise and rev drop

[ianc9]

I've noticed an engine rev drop (100-150 rpm) when I apply the clutch and sometimes a squeal noise (not too loud) when the clutch has been used a lot in traffic.

Is this normal or do I have a problem brewing?

I believe the car is fitted with a standard B&B clutch and thrust bearing with about 4k miles on it.

[christopher storey]

Ian : I am afraid that the rev drop is sinister , as it may be indicative of crankshaft thrust bearing failure

You need to get an assistant to depress the pedal several times with the engine running while you watch the
crankshaft pulley. If it can be seen to move forward with each depression, then the thrust bearings at the centre main bearing have either worn drastically or possibly fallen out

This is a sump off job to rectify, but not likely to be worse than that - the alternative, particularly with the noise, is that the release bearing has failed , and this is an engine and box out job

[mgcjag]

As Above.....also look through the hole in the bottom of the bell houseing....your carbon may have worn down to the metal....so clutch not spinning freely on the carbon and metal to metal squeel...Steve