Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Loud rattle from tranny

In my wifes 98 v6 contour 5 speed, there is a loud rattle comming from what sounds like the tranny I believe it is the throwout bearing but not sure, we have had the car since 56K miles and now it has 120K miles and have not changed the clutch. I dont think the clutch has ever been changed, what is causing this and how do I fix this?

Sounds about right, does it rattle harder when you rev the engine while the trannie is in neutral and your foot is off the clutch lever? It should rattle a little harder then stop making noise completely after you rev it up a little. It should also make a wirring noise when you have the lever pressed in. Im fighting the same problem right now. Funny thing is... my Throw out bearing has been rattleing around for abotu 15K miles now. Ive been pretty good too it. So that bearing could last 15K miles... it could last 1K miles. Who knows? But one thing is for sure a new clutch is in your future.