Ticking sound when clutch released

[robj]

Greetings,

I noticed today that I have a strange ticking sound when the clutch is completely released. The slightest pressure on the clutch pedal will eliminate the ticking sound.

The car has 96,000 miles and most likely the original clutch.

Does this sound as if it could be an issue with the throwout bearing?

Thanks in advance!

[DZLBUG]

Throwout bearing would only make noise with the clutch disengaged.

Is it doing this when in neutral or when in gear? How loud is the ticking? Which engine in the car? If a TDI or 1.8T, it could be the first sign of a failing DMF (dual mass flywheel). Instead of a traditional solid flywheel, a DMF is several different pieces with springs and other gizmos to effectively create a cushion. When they work correctly, they provide smoother engagement and eliminate engine vibration which would otherwise jangle the gears and make noise when in neutral. When they begin to fail, they make all sorts of odd noises and start engaging more harshly. Eventually it will fail altogether, usually flying apart and sending shrapnel through the bellhousing. This often means buying an entirely new transmission.

Keep an eye, or ear more appropriately, on it and see if it changes or gets worse.

[robj]

Thanks for the reply. It's a 1.8T and it makes the same sound whether in gear or in neutral. The ticking sound is loud enough that I only noticed it today as I had the windows open and passed by some cars and heard it.

About a week or so ago I thought I had begun to feel a difference in where the clutch pedal would be positioned for it to "grab", but I had ruled it out as it did not seem to be getting any worse.

I understand about the throwout bearing as that obviously would only have pressure on it when the clutch pedal is depressed.

If I do something as simple as rest my foot on the clutch pedal (very very slight pressure) the noise goes away.

[DZLBUG]

My bet is the DMF then. Personally I would ditch it for a SMF. A G60 flywheel/VR6 clutch should do nicely and give you a little more holding power. If you are staying stock, I would go with a Der Chimera Stage I from Bora Parts or a South Bend Stg I. The DC clutch I linked to is nice in that it comes with a lightened and balanced flywheel so it has little to no chatter. Many of the Eurospec and other SMF's are not balanced very well which contributes to more noise and chatter.

I wouldn't say you have to run out and do this right away. Just pay attention and make sure the noise isn't getting a lot worse.

Good luck.