Slight Whine as Clutch Engages
 

I heard this noise for the first time yesterday - there is a slight whine/howl just before the clutch engages. It doesn't happen during idle starts (just slowly letting out the clutch pedal slowly w/out pressing the gas) and it doesn't do it under aggressive starts. It only seems to make the noise during "medium" starts where you let the clutch out slowly, like if you are starting from a red light facing uphill.

The clutch engagement feels normal - there doesn't seem to be any slippage or anything like that. There is no noise when the clutch pedal is depressed, so I think that rules out the throwout bearing . . .

Any ideas? Is this an early sign of the clutch going out? The car has a Spec stage 2 with about 8k miles and 13 months on it. The car has made 429 rwhp but has never seen high-RPM launches on slicks or anything like that . . .

What do you guys think?

Any ideas?

I think I got the same problem as you just today. Also, I was coasting about 5mph, stick in first gear, clutch all the way in and somewhat of grinding whine or rasp. Feel through my pedal and shifter. Anybody?

yea means ur clutch is glazed

Glazed clutch? Elaborate please . I am having the same problem but only in first gear.

Can someone please explain exactly what this means?

So, if the clutch does end up being *glazed*, can I continue to drive the car until the clutch starts to slip? Will it end up hurting the flywheel at all? Or is the flywheel already damaged?

Thanks!

If the clutch is glazed, will it hurt the flywheel (or anything else) if I keep driving it? I haven't noticed any slipping, it's just that it makes the slight whining noise sometimes when the clutch engages in 1st gear.

The car is currently parked until I get some feedback, so any help is appreciated!

Ok I have a buddy that had the same problem and his turned out to be his clutch coming apart and rubbing on the bellhousing..You may wanna check your clutch out

Some of the early Spec Stage III clutches gave out a squeak when starting in first gear. Mine did that for over a year and the clutch worked fine. Not sure about Stage II though.

I got a spec stage 4 that squeals when cold, but from others that I have talked to that have a stage 4 it seems to be the norm.

Hey guys, any solutions to these problems? Has anyone contacted SPEC?

a glazed clutch is because it got heated up too much... same with brakes.

it will go away in a few stop's and starts

when it is glazed, it will feel alot smoother when your letting out the clutch than it usually does

I don't think the noise and vibration have nothing to do with glazed flywheel.