Link to video of sound: https://streamable.com/o0k5pa

Hello,

This problem started recently and I can't think of a particular reason why.

It's a 2011 Punto Evo 1.4 petrol at ~75k miles.

In neutral, there's no noises. I can rev the engine and it's fine. I can also press the clutch in and out and there's no noises at all.

When pulling away with the clutch half pressed, the noise is greatest. It is also heard when switching gears or briefly when pushing the gas pedal all the way down whilst moving.

While cruising, it's completely fine.

I cannot see any difference between going straight or whilst turning. There's also no difference between going up or downhill.

The timing and accessory belts were replaced 1000 miles ago and both look fine with normal tension.

I took it to one mechanic who says it's the clutch

Thanks for your time.

Found the problem?

Alternator pully clutch if it Has one or alternator belt tensioner pully?
or clutch thrust bearing if it seems to come from the other end?
Try turning the head lights and heated rear screen on see if it makes
a difference to the noise.

In neutral engine running, press the clutch pedal slightly so as to bring the clutch withdrawal bearing into contact with the pressure plate fingers, does it make that "chirping" noise then....but does sound a bit like a belt type noise, or bearing type ish noise...our car ( pug ) has a chirpy clutch withdrawal bearing type noise....

Try and pin to t down to location but check what's been mentioned....any belt idlers slack/noisey ?

Thanks for all the responses.

I do still have this problem as I've been reluctant to pay for the clutch kit replacement while unsure if it's the cause.

I've checked the accessory and timing belt and both are in good condition with normal tension. There is no change when blasting the AC, lights and heating.

There are no noises while I am in neutral regardless of where the clutch or gas pedal are.



Today, I lifted both of the front wheels and accelerated in first and second gear and there was no noise so it's possibly a bad cv joint?

I'd take it to other mechanics but it's difficult to get away from work during business hours.

Can you post an other video as my phone plays for a second or so then freezes, then plays for a second or so and repeats...

Does sound beltish, or bearing ish...engine vibrates a lot....

A better video may help.

AC compressor has a magnetic clutch ? Any play in that mechanism and bearing ?

I took the car to another garage for a deeper dive into the issue and I'm convinced that the issue lies with the gearbox by process of elimination. It sounds like it could be a bearing.

So now the question is if I should pay the heavy price to fix it, or sell it?

I bought it for £1600 around 5,000 miles ago and have since put £600 into it with cosmetic repairs, tyres and timing belt as I was hoping to take it to 100k miles.

I think a reconditioned gearbox will cost £400 but whilst it's in pieces, I may as well do the clutch and brake discs which brings the total £800 including labour.

Whilst writing this, I've thought about looking at it differently. Suppose I saw this car for sale at the price of £3000 at 76,000 miles. Would I buy it knowing it had a new timing kit, clutch kit, gearbox and tyres. Yes?

Alternatively, I sell it for £1,000 and buy something else? Advantages to this is that the underside of the car has a lot of rust. I don't think it'll be long before I'm back in the garage for the suspension or an oil leak. Also, the road tax is pretty high and could go up over the next couple of years.