Marbles sound from the trans
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 2
From: Tx
Marbles sound from the trans
I know this sound is considered normal on MN6 c5s, but can someone explain what exactly causes it and why it gets more prevalent as the car heats up. Is there anyway to quite it down. I usually never hear it until about 30min of driving.
It’s possible to the ride the clutch a little and eliminate it, but it gets much harder to keep it quiet once the tunnel is really heated up. I feel like people are looking at me in parking lots wondering why such a nice car sounds like the transmission is about to fall out. Actually, you probably can’t even hear it from outside the car.
It’s possible to the ride the clutch a little and eliminate it, but it gets much harder to keep it quiet once the tunnel is really heated up. I feel like people are looking at me in parking lots wondering why such a nice car sounds like the transmission is about to fall out. Actually, you probably can’t even hear it from outside the car.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Northridge CA
Re: Marbles sound from the trans (QuickSilver2002)
This may not affect you for some time, but when I was looking into trading in my Coupe, the dealer lowballed me $6k under wholesale bluebook because they said that the sound indicated I had a weak powertrain. This is the same freaking dealer where the service manager had told me that the sound was "normal". Go figure... :rolleyes:
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
Re: Marbles sound from the trans (QuickSilver2002)
I think I read a thread that said the sound was caused by the highly viscous transmission fluid used. Chevy supposedly did this to get better gas mileage.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Antioch, CA
Re: Marbles sound from the trans (qs01coupe)
This sound is also found in the T56 of the F-body. They use a solid pilot bushing in the tranny. When changing clutches, I replaced it with a roller pilot bearing (same part as in an S-10 truck). This would virtually eliminated the rattling sound. Haven't had to do the clutch in my FRC yet but will look into the same mod.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 2
From: Tx
Re: Marbles sound from the trans (daveydc5)
Ok, I'm starting to think I actually may have a problem here.
Today it started making a sound when parked with the clutch out. I have heard some noise with the clutch out before (especially when shutting the motor down), but this time it was pretty loud with the motor idling. Seems to have something to do with lots of stop and go driving (I was stuck in a big traffic jams this am). It sounds like it is coming from up front. Maybe it shows up because the idle speed is lower (will have to check that).
So help me understand this. In the c5 the drive shaft from the motor is always spinning. It is contained is some type of tube? If so, is there any lubricant in this tube.
Today it started making a sound when parked with the clutch out. I have heard some noise with the clutch out before (especially when shutting the motor down), but this time it was pretty loud with the motor idling. Seems to have something to do with lots of stop and go driving (I was stuck in a big traffic jams this am). It sounds like it is coming from up front. Maybe it shows up because the idle speed is lower (will have to check that).
So help me understand this. In the c5 the drive shaft from the motor is always spinning. It is contained is some type of tube? If so, is there any lubricant in this tube.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City CA
Re: Marbles sound from the trans (QuickSilver2002)
It is hard to tell without actually hearing it. Both my 98 and 2001 6 speeds had that marble/tin can sound and vibration when I start from a stop. Passengers have even commented on it. It doesn't seem to be a big deal since I have not had a problem with the drivetrain of either car. I find that just starting at a little higher RPM takes care of the problem. I have also noticed that since I installed a ripper I occasionally get a rattle in neutral with the cltuch out. It goes away with the clutch in. As far as turning the car off in neutral, I almost always do this when I out it in the garage at home, you have to keep the cltuch depressed or you will get the rattle at shutdown as well. Another forum member clued me in to that one. So it sounds like you probably have a normal car. I think because GM designed the car to be as light weight as possible and we already know there is a lack of insulating material, all of these little eccentricities are amplified. JMHO.
