Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon with over 330,000 miles on the odometer. Recently I had the clutch replaced. What necessitated the replacement of the clutch, was a “rubbing noise” I experienced every time I let up on the cutch pedal. It started once the pedal was off the floor a few inches. After the clutch was replaced, the “rubbing noise” continued. At that point, my mechanic said the “pivot” in the clutch assembly had to replaced. It was and for the first time in over a year the “rubbing noise” was gone when I let up on the clutch. Hooray!

However, there is a new noise, never before heard. It sounds like a “light fluttering” or possibly an exhaust leak (which I doubt it is) and is only heard when the transmission is engaged and my foot is off the clutch pedal. It also seems to be emanating from the dashboard near the fuel gauge and coolant gauge. The pitch of this noise rises and falls with the RPMs of the engine. The only way to silence it, is to depress the clutch. When I have the clutch depressed, I will race the engine and I still will not hear this noise. It only returns once I let up on the clutch pedal.

Today my mechanic had me drive the car with the serpentine belt off, with the belief noise might be coming from the power steering pump. I could still hear the noise and again it only went away when I depressed the clutch.

I am hoping someone else has experienced this noise and can share a solution. Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh