I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 5.2 with a 5 speed. My question is when i start the truck I hear a whining noise coming from the clutch pedal. But when i push in the clutch the noise goes away. Could it be the throwout bearing or something else? If it was the bearing wouldnt it do it with the pedal pushed in? or both? Need to figure this out before the next hunt so that I dont get stuck in the woods. Any help would be great!

 

If you put the truck in neutral, clutch all the way out, how much pressure does it take to make the noise stop?

 

It could be the trowout bearing. Bearings will make noise / quit making noise when load changes on it. Without pressing clutch, the bearing is unloaded and most likely spinning dry. Depressing clutch puts a load on it and probably dampens noise.

Mine is an auto. does the manual tranny have a plate that can be removed to allow you to feel the bearing? If so, reach in and turn it by hand and see how it feels. If it is real lose, it needs to be changed.

Also, welcome to DF.

You can download parts and service manual in the FAQ/DIY section. May have more info there.

 

I barely have to push in the clutch for the noise to go away. Not sure about the inspection cover. I'll have to check that out tomorrow.

 

Sounds like you need to adjust your clutch pedal. Check out the Tech. Section on the know-how. Do A search for adjusting Clutch Pedal. Or, If you're going to own the truck for a long time, I HIGHLY reccomend getting a Haynes/Chilton Manual. Best 15 bucks you'll spend and they tend to answer a LOT of questions.

 

+1 on the throw out bearing! I only read the first to lines but thats my conclusion as a semi-amature-mechanically-inclined-chrysler-product-owner! Lol

 

I'll have to try adjusting it. And yes I plan on owning this for a while! Best truck I've ever owned!

 

If that wont do it I'll have to replace it. Not looking forward to that! Ugh.

 

Evven if you can adjust the noise out, depending on how many miles on truck, I would check condition of bearing. Don't know how amny miles these trucks go before TOB failure, but that depends on whetehr it has been owned by someone that rides the clutch pedal..Just me - I would want to know.

 

It has 109,000 miles on the original clutch. Bought it off the original owner (my uncle) when it had 76,000 miles on it. Its probably due for one!