I had mine in to the dealer at 3500 mi because of the tranny noise in neutral...they called DC tech service and word back is that &quot;it's normal&quot;. Story goes that DC is using a lighter weight tranny oil so more chatter when cold. Noise goes away pretty much when it's all warmed up, but on winter mornings at it sounded like a jackhammer until it warmed up. <br><br>Now have around 6500 mi and noise is still there when cold, but at least shifting is a bit easier. <br><br>At least it's all documented so I can sleep at night!

 

Spot is &quot;Spot On&quot;<br><br>In neutral, the input shaft and cluster gear(s) are spinning, and the throwout bearing is usually not, unless the release fingers are touching it. This can be quite noisy, especially if you're listening to it from outside the truck. If the noise goes away when you depress the clutch and put it in gear, it's probably just the churning of the gears. Also, there is usually a bearing between the &quot;south&quot; end of the input shaft, and the &quot;north&quot; end of the output shaft, which makes noise in neutral, too. Normally functioning manual transmissions can be pretty noisy if you listen to 'em.<br><br>A bad throwout bearing will make noise whether or not the trans is in neutral, as long as the clutch is depressed. Pilot bearing noise is easy to mistake for throwout bearing noise, but you may be able to tell the difference by idling in first on flat ground, and depress the clutch and coast to a stop. If the noise gets worse as you slow down, it's probably the pilot bearing. If it is constant, it's possibly the throwout bearing. Remember, once you put it in gear, all movement stops in the trans until you start rolling.<br><br>

 

Thanks emjay. I've had this conversation with many customers who had a friend who had a friend who knew someone who said the release bearing was the noise maker...trying to tell them different was very difficult...<br>Got to the point I wanted to just replace the release brg, put it back on the lot and let them complain that the &quot;noise&quot; was still there. But being a good tech I would replace the imput shaft brgs, leave the clutch alone, and let them go on their way. Wonder if they ever straightened out their &quot;friends&quot;? <br>BTW my VW Passat TDI diesel makes more noise in neutral than my truck. almost 200k on it tho...