noisey gearbox
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Wow do you have a manual gear box that has park or do you have a 6 speed automatic with a clutch? 
The drivetrains of these cars do tend to be noisy. Check the fluid level to make sure it isnt empty as an empty tranny will be noisier then one thats full.
The drivetrains of these cars do tend to be noisy. Check the fluid level to make sure it isnt empty as an empty tranny will be noisier then one thats full.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
It's normal. We often refer to that as the "marbles in a can" noise that 6-speed C5's exhibit. Here's how C-5 Tech explains it:
The marbles in a can or "gear rattle" in neutral with the clutch released is caused by the mainshaft in the transmission rotating with no load on it. Because the trans is rearward, when you release the clutch (even in neutral) the drive shaft and trans mainshaft are turning (free wheeling). When you press in the clutch, the drive shaft and trans mainshaft stop rotating, stopping the noise. The manual trans uses ATF that, when hot, is thinner than water and has poor noise dampening quality compared to gear oil.
You may also hear a "clank" noise when releasing the clutch rapidly in neutral. This is simply caused by the clutch engaging the stationary drive shaft.
The marbles in a can or "gear rattle" in neutral with the clutch released is caused by the mainshaft in the transmission rotating with no load on it. Because the trans is rearward, when you release the clutch (even in neutral) the drive shaft and trans mainshaft are turning (free wheeling). When you press in the clutch, the drive shaft and trans mainshaft stop rotating, stopping the noise. The manual trans uses ATF that, when hot, is thinner than water and has poor noise dampening quality compared to gear oil.
You may also hear a "clank" noise when releasing the clutch rapidly in neutral. This is simply caused by the clutch engaging the stationary drive shaft.
