G56 rattle noise - normal or failed bearing?

[3david50]

I just picked up a 2010 3500 with the G56. It’s deleted and has a Southbend clutch. In neutral with the clutch pedal released, there’s a rattling noise, it goes away when you press the clutch pedal. I can’t tell if the noise is there while driving.

I’ve heard this can be a bad pilot or input shaft bearing, but I’ve also heard that such noise is normal with a Southbend clutch. I don’t care about it being noisy, but I do want to know if something is worn out and about to need repair. How do I know which it is?

 

[tidefan1967]

I just picked up a 2010 3500 with the G56. It’s deleted and has a Southbend clutch. In neutral with the clutch pedal released, there’s a rattling noise, it goes away when you press the clutch pedal. I can’t tell if the noise is there while driving.

I’ve heard this can be a bad pilot or input shaft bearing, but I’ve also heard that such noise is normal with a Southbend clutch. I don’t care about it being noisy, but I do want to know if something is worn out and about to need repair. How do I know which it is?

Start with a road test of the vehicle. Listen for noise with the transmission in gear and the clutch pedal to the floor. Next release the clutch with the transmission in first gear. Noise under this condition indicates a worn release bearing or a worn pilot bearing.

To isolate the two, keep the clutch pedal on the floor and shift the transmission into neutral. If the noise persists, the release bearing is bad. If the noise is gone, the pilot bearing is bad.

A bearing noise that occurs when releasing the clutch pedal to engage the clutch while in neutral, but goes away when the pedal is depressed is caused by a bad transmission input shaft bearing.

Always make sure that all other components are in good condition. Check the clutch linkage for binding or mis-adjustments. Check clutch pedal free play and pedal reserve for proper setting. Check the clutch fork and input shafts for proper alignment.

 

[hodge-xj]

Find out what model south bend. The g56 is a very noisy transmission. It's an all aluminium case that doesn't insulate from common noises attributed to sticks.

Id put money that they put a dual disc clutch in it since the oem clutches are junk. Problem is, they have a dual mass fly wheel originally that is eliminated to use a better clutch. A solid fly wheel transmits alot of noise through into the trans.

It's normal. Honest to god search dual mass flywheel, dual disc clutch noise, g56 gear rollover. You will find many YouTube vids and threads to keep you busy for a long time. There's not much to do to fix it unless you return to stock. Don't worry about it much, and enjoy driving it. I miss my g56.

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[COAinPaso]

Find out what model south bend. The g56 is a very noisy transmission. It's an all aluminium case that doesn't insulate from common noises attributed to sticks.

Id put money that they put a dual disc clutch in it since the oem clutches are junk. Problem is, they have a dual mass fly wheel originally that is eliminated to use a better clutch. A solid fly wheel transmits alot of noise through into the trans.

It's normal. Honest to god search dual mass flywheel, dual disc clutch noise, g56 gear rollover. You will find many YouTube vids and threads to keep you busy for a long time. There's not much to do to fix it unless you return to stock. Don't worry about it much, and enjoy driving it. I miss my g56.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

x2. Had one and it was noisy. Above mentioned tests wouldn't hurt though.

 

[3david50]

So it looks like I need to replace my starter before I can try these tests again, but I did them a few days ago, so here is what I recall.

Clutch pressed in, either in neutral or in gear, or shifting between them: no noise.
Release clutch in first gear: I can’t tell. The engine makes too much noise when taking on the load.
Release clutch in neutral: the noise is present.

I looked under the truck and cannot see anything that would identify the model of the clutch. The pedal is definitely stiffer than stock.

I am well aware that the DD clutch will make it noisier - that’s fine, I’m not looking to make it quieter. The problem is that I don’t know if it’s a normal amount of noise or if something is worn out. I’ve never owned one before so I don’t have a reference point for what’s normal and what’s not.

 

[hodge-xj]

So it looks like I need to replace my starter before I can try these tests again, but I did them a few days ago, so here is what I recall.

Clutch pressed in, either in neutral or in gear, or shifting between them: no noise.
Release clutch in first gear: I can’t tell. The engine makes too much noise when taking on the load.
Release clutch in neutral: the noise is present.

I looked under the truck and cannot see anything that would identify the model of the clutch. The pedal is definitely stiffer than stock.

I am well aware that the DD clutch will make it noisier - that’s fine, I’m not looking to make it quieter. The problem is that I don’t know if it’s a normal amount of noise or if something is worn out. I’ve never owned one before so I don’t have a reference point for what’s normal and what’s not.

When you get it started post a video. With the trans being aluminium it's alot louder than what we are accustomed to with cast iron body transmissions. I know mine was very audible under certain circumstances.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[3david50]

https://streamable.com/rdoyn

A quick video of the noise, pressing the clutch in and out while in neutral. I honestly can’t tell if it’s there when releasing the clutch pedal in first gear. Too much engine noise.

 

[COAinPaso]

Louder/worse than the stock clutch I had.

 

[3david50]

I have also owned a Ram with a stock clutch, and it wasn’t as loud as this one. But, I don’t know if this noise is normal for a DD clutch or if something needs to be replaced.

 

[Tach_tech]

If you have rattling noise with the clutch pedal released, it’s most likely the throw out bearing.

 

[3david50]

If you have rattling noise with the clutch pedal released, it’s most likely the throw out bearing.

I thought that would be when the pedal is pressed - clutch released?

 

[Tach_tech]

I thought that would be when the pedal is pressed - clutch released?[/QUOTE

Whoops, my bad. Had the two backwards in my head. Didn’t catch it.

It’s possibly the pilot bearing or input shaft bearing if the noise is present with the clutch released.

 

[3david50]

No problem. The pilot/input shaft bearing is also what I suspect, but I've also heard that the DD clutch can cause a similar noise. So what I'm trying to figure out is, which one is it? Is this just regular noise or is it a failed bearing? How do I know the difference?

 

[nukegm]

just watched the video. that noise is not right. loud too. i have had several vehicles with throwout bearings going bad over 35 years, and none were that noisy. just my .02 cents. my current g56 2500 is still stock, so i cant compare. good luck comrade! cheers.

 

[Tach_tech]

No problem. The pilot/input shaft bearing is also what I suspect, but I've also heard that the DD clutch can cause a similar noise. So what I'm trying to figure out is, which one is it? Is this just regular noise or is it a failed bearing? How do I know the difference?

Unfortunately you’re likely not to know which it is till you tear it apart. I watched the video and there’s definitely something wrong, it’s not a normal noise.

 

[3david50]

Ok, looks like I will have to pay the shop to open it up. This is beyond my skill level. Thanks for all your help.