Mitsubishi Repair: 96 eclipse RS manual trans - clanking noise, cv joints, rubber boots

Question
Hello,
Some clanking noise seems to come from the transmission side.  Clanking noises would occur frequently while driving in gears (very noticeable in 1-3,4 gear) and also in neutral revving the engine.  A way to get rid of the noise is to press and hold on the clutch.  It would make the noise even at idling even though not that loud as driving and not very frequent.

A mechanic replaced my clutch as he diagnosed it might be the bearing.  SHowed me the old clutch and at the center was a hole with some teeths/grooves to where the shaft would fit in.  He placed his finger in and twirled, it was loose (the new clutch did not have any play).  But after replaced, same noise .

I was really hoping it wouldn't be a transmission problem, cost is too high.  Do you have any diagnosis?

Thanks

Chad


Answer
Chad: Try checking the front end, the CV joints. See if the rubber boots that cover the back the front wheels, see if that is in good shape or have break in it. Check the tires are they out of round, rims maybe bent. Check to see if you might have a broken engine mount, sometimes those will break in these little cars. Even if it comes from the transmission side of the car, it would still be one of the CV joints that are bad, there is rubber boots behind each front wheel on the back side of the wheel. But then there is also rubber boots that run down the drive shaft too. You need to get the car up on something, so you can check those rubber boots they do not last forever and your car is a 1996 model. The the fact that the car shifts, is something good. So makes me think it something other than the transmission. Also check the transmission fluid and make sure it is up to the right level too. So check that front end. God bless: Linda