"Acceptable" level of clutch noise?

[osteome]

I did a search, but not really find anything concrete.

Is there an "acceptable" normal level of clutch chatter/noise/vibration when the clutch is not disengaged?

I cannot really recall hearing the noise before, although I tend to have the radio on at all times and/or the top down, so it may have been there and I have just not picked up on it. There is no noise when the clutch is engaged, but an audible chatter/noise when not engaged and at idle. I can't really hear anything at speed either.

I noted it today as I had the radio off trying to figure where the latest squeak/rattle is coming from and picked up on the noise.

The car is 2009 with 27K miles, stored winters, never tracked and pulls most highway duty. No mods to the clutch spring have been done.

The clutch otherwise engages normally with no popping, grind, or problems shifting.

Am I being hyperaware or is there a bit of "stock" noise level there? I am out of warranty by time, and don't have the warm and fuzzy about the local dealership.

Any guidance would be appreciated. I did not find anything specific in my search.

[thekurgan]

Stock in neutral, the flywheel causes rattles to be heard. Do you have a sound clip perhaps? The only noise I'd worry about is if the clutch is disengaged (pedal depressed), that may indicate a clutch release bearing starting to wear.

[8_is_enough]

light flywheel...it's normal

[osteome]

Thanks guys!

The noise is only present when the clutch is not engaged and the transmission is in neutral. From what I saw anectdotally in a few posts, it seemed like it may be normal, but it is nice to get a concise answer. I am a bit surprised that I did not really notice it before...

Now I just need to fix the newest interior rattle...

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by osteome

Thanks guys!

The noise is only present when the clutch is not engaged and the transmission is in neutral. From what I saw anectdotally in a few posts, it seemed like it may be normal, but it is nice to get a concise answer. I am a bit surprised that I did not really notice it before...

Now I just need to fix the newest interior rattle...

FWIW, there is a nice, detailed rattle/squeak/creak thread here.