Metallic sound from clutch

Q You previously advised me to change the injector seals on my 2005 SEAT Toledo 1.9 TDI due to bad starting. This has improved starting, but it still takes three or four cranks – I have decided to live with it.

I am now experiencing a metallic sound when depressing the clutch pedal. It sounds like light metallic rubbing. This only happens when changing gears from first to second and third to fourth, but not when changing down. If I press the clutch pedal when driving, there is no sound, nor when in neutral from the thrust bearing. Out of curiosity, I jacked up the front wheels one at a time and put it in ‘Drive’, changed gears and there was no noise whatsoever, so it only happens when under load. The vehicle drives OK and there are otherwise no problems with the clutch or gearbox. The car has covered 132,000 miles and I have invoices for all work done on the car from brand new and found no mention of a new clutch ever having been fitted.

Is better to keep the dual mass flywheel or change to a solid flywheel as I am now retired and only do about 8000 miles a year? This query is mainly due to the cost. The price from local distributor is around £440. Trevor White

A Having not heard the noise myself, you will appreciate that I can only give an opinion based on your description. Going from this, I would say that the DMF may well be the source of the noise.

Autosessive supply a complete clutch kit and solid flywheel for your vehicle at a cost of £213.28. Although there have been many rumours on the internet regarding broken crankshafts, I personally have never seen damage as a result of a DMF being replaced by a solid flywheel. I have fitted the Valeo kits sold by Autosessive and been very happy with the feel of the clutch and, to date, have never had a single problem.