So the other day i turned on my car and when i engaged the clutch, it made a strange grinding noise. Hard to describe but it was a constant faint metal spinning sound. This only happens every once in a while. So if im sitting in neutral and press the clutch four times it might only happen two of the times, but won't go away until i release the clutch.

And of course as i'm pulling out that day, it grinds into third the first two times shifting. So it seems like it only happens going into third when the car is cold or if im shifting relatively quick in lower rpms. For the time being, I've been shifting extrememly slow to prevent the grinding.

Just got the car a month ago and its just starting to see some colder weather (but it's garage kept so by no means freezing) so I don't know if it could be as simple as changing fluids or something major. Let me know if it has happened to you or if you know what the problem could be. Thanks

And it is a 2003 Base Model

 

If there is a pronounced adam's apple, it's probably a dude. ;-) Couldn't resist.... To answer your real question, it sounds like the standard transmission metallic, spinning rattle common to all Zs. Also it is common for the cold weather to make the shifts a bit rougher till it warms up. A transmission gear oil change might help some if it hasn't been changed for a while.

 

thanks. new to the site and thought i was gunna get flamed for that post. I've learned the search feature haha.

 

Anyone have any other solutions to this problem? Is this a pilot or throwout bearing on its way out or some deeper problem with the transmission? Only happens when it's cold for maybe one or two shifts. Soon as it warms up the car drives perfectly

04' enthusiast 100K (2nd tranny, 70K on this one) Stock everything, original clutch