Rapid knocking noise when clutch pedal is pressed in?

[MrTwitchyMckat]

Hi folks!

A few weeks back I bought my first Saturn, specifically a 1995 Saturn SC2, for a whopping $50. Engine sounded healthy, but it needed a new clutch. I just finished doing the clutch job last night and started her up. It made this terrible knocking noise. It sounded somewhat like rod knock, but I figured out that when I let go of the clutch pedal it goes away. I've looked into it and I've narrowed it down to the throw out bearing which I replaced, and or the pilot bearing which I didn't replace since it didn't come in the kit. I should mention at this point that I've never done a clutch job, but from what I could tell nothing really went wrong.

Do any of you fine people have any suggestions on which it could be? Or am I going in the completely wrong direction. If needed I could upload a video of what it sounds like.

Thank you all in advance!

[BV22]

I've heard that horrible noise before on another car - it was the throwout bearing. What brand of clutch kit did you use? Luk is the only one that seems to work right in these cars.

[TomM96]

I don't have much clutch experience; none with Saturn.

If you open it up again, maybe check the crankshaft 'end-float' , the axial movement of the crank into//out of the crankcase....

[MrTwitchyMckat]

Originally Posted by BV22

I've heard that horrible noise before on another car - it was the throwout bearing. What brand of clutch kit did you use? Luk is the only one that seems to work right in these cars.

I just used the generic Autozone Duralast clutch kit that is apparently supposed to fit on my car specifically. I'm not looking forward to pulling off the transmission again

I had a feeling it was that cause I do remember when I put it on it felt super loose.

But thanks!

[MrTwitchyMckat]

Originally Posted by TomM96

I don't have much clutch experience; none with Saturn.

If you open it up again, maybe check the crankshaft 'end-float' , the axial movement of the crank into//out of the crankcase....

Hmm, okay! I'll have to look more into that cause I'm not 100% sure what that is. I'm wondering if it might also just be the pilot bearing?

Thanks!