I have a '96 2WD 215-hp 5-spd with 277k on it, so I do expect som things to start to go wrong. Here's what's happening. After a cold start and primarily at idle, I began noticing a squeal (but not a belt squeal) an it was actually rather hard to tell if it was coming from the rear or front of the engine. Now it's happening at higher RPM's and most of the time the engine is in operation--except when the clutch pedal is depressed. I'm hoping it's not the clutch, but I am aware that this could be the case. The clutch has also seemed a bit more "grabby" off a 2nd-gear start lately. I also tend to suspect the fan clutch or belt tensioner. It's sounding so bad I don't want to drive the truck at all until it can be looked after. What would you all suspect?

Also, does anyone know of a good truck/diesel/Cummins repair shop in the western suburbs of Chciago. I've had work done by Koller Dodge and Schaumburgh Dodge previously, would like to see how a truck or diesel repair shop would compare in terms of service and price. Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

 

Maybe a throw out bearing since you said it stops when you push the clutch in. Have had them go out in a Yota I had. Made the same sound until I pushed the clutch in.

 

txwelder;

Thanks that's a possibility. To better describe the sound it's more like a hydraulic system overload sound than a belt squeal. It seems to be rotational, and is not affected by steering (not the power steering pump). Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Ditto on the throwout bearing. 'specially since it was doing it on a 2nd gear start. Good luck.

 

I am thinkin main shaft bng.........????????/

 

My moneys on throwout bearing.
I'd get the truck up in the air and use a stethiscope of some kind and have someone (you trust ) run the clutch while engines running. You can use a broom stick,screw dvr, or a chunk of hose. Remember the Jackstands Saftey 1st. Good luck.
ramguy

 

So I took the truck to a Dodge dealer in Naperville today; they agreed to diagnose the problem for a flat fee of one hour of labor. One hour of labor = $98.00.

What coice did I have at the time? On the way there I heard the clutch "squeal" three times when releasing the pedal, I had not heard that before. Rode with the tech for a good ten minuite drive--nothing. Nada, no noises, no judders, etc. Upon re-arrival at the dealer the tech said "no charge--there's no problem right now."

I'm going to chance it for now, drive it only occasionally, and will problably let a dealer down near Champaign, IL do the work, thier labor rate is $55/hr and I trust them more. It's a ways away, but worth the drive. For now, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for your help, has anyone else seen a $98/hr labor rate for an American car dealership?

 

Sears sells automotive stethoscopes. Real handy they are.

 

I've got a buddy in Naperville...the shop is called DJ's Auto Repair. He has an 89 Dodge cummins, and dad has a 01 cummins. They know their crap when it comes to these things. His name is Brian and his dad's Dennis...we have worked on our rigs together many a time. I think the phone is 630.904.8181, but I'm not positive. They do good work, and prices are good.

 

Just had the same problem with my 90 GMC dump.
Throw out bearing was toast, put a clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing in.
If you have a problem with the clutch pedal after, tap the pedal backwards.
This usually gets the air out of it and you won't have to bleed it.

Rich

 

So after putting things off a while, I drove to Schaumburg yesturday from Wheaton (about 20 miles). Pulling off 290, I heard that wonderful whine, but constant, not going anywhere. Pulled into neutral, and while the clutch pedal was actually pressed in, no noise. All the rest of the time, lots of noise. Upon taking off, the re-engagment of the clutch felt lik pushing into a bag of marbles. Not good! Headed for Schaumburg Dodge, and just after they checked it in, the folks from JD Auto & Truck in Naperville returned my call! ( I had actually called Friday of last week, they apoligized for taking so long to return my call but wanted to give me good infomration.) I let Schaumburg Dodge pull the inspection plate, and this morning they gave me the lowdown: Needs clutch & throwout bearing, if the can resurface the flywheel it'll run $1350+ tax. Seven hours of labor are included @ $90/hr. Further, they noted discoloration on the flywheel and if this needs replacement it'll be an additional $750.

Fortunetly, JD had already checked on a heavy duty clutch from the place as suggested in previous posts, it's $375 from South Bend for a clutch. He will do the job for $200 labor and $60 for flywheel resurfacing. If needed a rebuilt flywheel can be had for $150. Also very fortunate is I've been a AAA+ member for years, so 100 miles of free towing is included. So today the truck was towed out of Schaumburg Dodge to JD truck in Naperville/Plainfield. (about 35 miles). Membership is $39/year, I paid for several years of membership with this tow alone!

Thanks again to those who made reccomendations for JD Truck and Auto and also South Bend Clutch. I would have been raked over the dealer's coals if it were not for this help! I have not witnessed the results of the work as of yet, but I'm very confident this was the right decision. I really can't thank you all enough!

 

Highly reccommend DJ's Auto and Truck--sorry it's not JD's as I erronously posted previously. The truck is done and the total bill came to $655. Really a suprise, but a very good one! Thanks to all who helped out!