skeithr

i have an 02 ap1 with 60k and when the car is in neutral with the clutch out i hear a humming noise but goes away when the clutch is pushed in or it is in gear, is this normal or is it possible that my clutch release bearing is going out, thanks in advance for responses.

slipstream444

Yes - it's normal. When the clutch is engaged (pedal out) and the car's in neutral, the engine is spinning the transmission's input shaft, and that makes a little noise. You won't hear the noise when the clutch pedal is pushed in because the input shaft eventually comes to a stop (you can hear this happen if you listen carefully). Additionally, you don't hear it when the car's in gear because you're moving and the road noise is louder.
A failing release bearing makes a lot of noise. The "humming" noise is the input shaft spinning.

skeithr

thanks for the input slipstream

05APdeuce

there should be no noise when you let the clutch out unless you have a bad throwout bearing. mine does not make noise.

HollywoodBrod

Like slipstream444 said some s2k's have VERY VERY barely audible noise when you have the clutch pressed down ( I have seen it in 2 of my buddies) Your throwout bearing could be showing some signs of fatigue and wear, however you may just have better hearing than others. Regardless don't worry about it, unless you notice the noise getting LOUder ( it would be a audible squeal and or grinding) If that happens then you'll need to get a clutch kit.. Or just just a good set of EARPLUGS

Eric220

My '07 doesn't do that, but you have to remember, the S2000 transmission is very noisy. (Whether something is wrong or not)

slipstream444

The noise that's being discussed is when the the car is in neutral and the clutch pedal is out. The noise in question is the sound of the input shaft spinning.
The throwout bearing can make noise when the clutch is pressed in or out depending on it's condition. The throwout bearing is loaded when the clutch is pressed in due to the fact it's dealing with the thrust load produced by the pressure plate spring force. The throwout bearing is spinning anytime the engine is running and won't necessarily make noise only when the clutch is in or out, but may make more noise when loaded as it begins to wear out.

If the noise in question is present only when the car is running, the transmission is neutral and the clutch pedal is out - and then if that noise goes away a second or two after the clutch is pressed in (you can hear it quickly spin down and then goes completely silent) - it's definetely the input shaft noise.