2006 VW Golf 1.9 TDI (BKC) 105bhp - clutch/gearbox/flywheel rattle

Description

If anyone can bring their expertise to pin-point what the problem most likely is, please do. I first noticed the rattle about 4 months ago when stopped at traffic lights with the windows down. It has progressively gotten louder and more noticeable even with the windows up - not just noise-wise but vibration-wise from the clutch pedal also. The noise/rattle fully disappears when the clutch pedal is pressed fully down to the floor. It seems loudest when about half-way and at about 75% when fully up! Most recently it has developed an additional rattle - similar to a pebble being jolted around an empty cement mixer. Can't really be heard in the video though! Driving-wise, it doesn't feel as "tight" as it should be, although sometimes it does. I can't feel the clutch slipping either. Brought the car into the VW dealership for its 80k service and they also advised me of the rattle. They reckon it needs a new flywheel & clutch! 900£ or so including labour! Brought it down to a backstreet mechanic I know who has been doing work on cars and been rebuilding gearboxes for 35 years and after taking it for a spin, he swears it's not the clutch or flywheel but rather the gearbox itself! Told me to leave it as it will last for a good while still. At loss as to what to do, because I'm sure the stealership will try and fleece me out of as much money as possible. As in, "yes, the flywheel & clutch have now been replaced but it turn out that the gearbox was faulty also and that'll be <b>...</b>

Keywords

rattle, golf, mk5, gearbox, clutch

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