Xantia - Metallic tinkling sound from gearbox

[CitroenCrazy]

Just out of interest, on a scale of one to ten, how bad is a metallic tinkling sound from the n/s front wheel arch ?
Distinctly audible with car idling in neutral.

On the bright side, it's only just started.

Car is 1999 HDi Xantia with ML5T 'box.

[citronut]

does the sound change on pressing the clutch pedal down, if so its more than likely the thrust bearing

[CitroenCrazy]

God bless you Malcolm - I've just had another listen, and it does seem to go away when the clutch is pressed.
There was me imagining it was a gearbox bearing. Much happier now!
Thanks

[RichardW]

It might be more urgent that you think: http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=50449" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; the clutch on these can go from normal to wrecked in very few miles, with just a slight noise in between....

[CitroenCrazy]

Yes indeed. I'm thinking I might take it over to Mr Lightfoot (of this parish) for a laying on of hands.
I'll have a go at most things, but I'm wary of this push-me-pull-you clutch release malarky. I'm just glad I'm not looking at a knackered gearbox.
Thanks both.

[Xantippa]

My Xantia HDi had that sound over 100000 kilometers and clutch worked just fine. So I wouldn´t worry. As far as I know, the original clutch was working still at 420000 kilometers on the clock.

[citronut]

I'll have a go at most things, but I'm wary of this push-me-pull-you clutch release malarky. I'm just glad I'm not looking at a knackered gearbox.
Thanks both.

the main thing in doing these back to front clutch's is, remove the fork actuator arm from the top of the box before you start,

with this removed it allows the fork shaft to rotate on removing the box, then also allows you to point the fork prongs in the general direction of the thrust bearing for engagement

[ekjdm14]

Another cause for a metallic rattle sound from the clutch that stops when pressed can be the damper springs in the friction plate. Seems these cars have more issues with the release brg than most though, but it could possibly be innocent as those springs which last about forever in rattling condition. (that one usually develops over time though, instead of just starting one day, so less likely than I thought when I began typing this post haha )

Definitely worth getting a 3pc clutch kit fitted though as it'd have to have the 'box pulled back to confirm which one is the cause anyway and it'd be rude not to replace the lot while it's "open"