Ever since my clutch was replaced at 42K, I have been hearing what sounds like a gravelly, grinding sound in 3rd and 4th gear, right around 4K RPM. It happens when I accelerate or maintain constant speed. Seems to go away under deceleration. It's not a constant sound - comes and goes randomly, but I hear it at least every few seconds. It is a faint sound (can only hear it with radio off and windows closed) and sound like it's coming from the clutch/tranny area. Anyone else hear this or have an explanation for it?

 

What? No theories from you car gurus out there? Someone throw me a bone

 

*throws bone*

Woof....

Seriously tho, i'm not technically inclined enough to tell u the problem.. just giving u a free bump

 

Bump - Finally got the service guy to hear it, after taking him out for test drives. Cause is still unknown - anyone have any ideas yet? It happens both on acceleration and deceleration while in 4th gear, and ir rather random in occurrence. Sounds a bit like marbles in a can, but very muted. I've had the 'marbles in a can sound' from the engine before, and this is definitely quieter. I can't even tell if it's coming from the engine - source is not obvious.

Q - could bad coils or bad cat cause this sound?

The problem seems to have started after a clutch replacement. Could the throwout bearing be rattling when I'm in 4th gear?

 

next Time you here the sound put your hand on the stick and feel if it vibrates. If it does then your clutch might not be fully ingaged in that gear all the way or you have bearings that are rattling in that one gear might have a tooth off or a cracked or damaged bearing.
also when you hear it try also putting your foot on the clutch pedal and hear if it stops. But if it only happens in that one gear this has to be the problem.

 

Marbles in a can, is it engine pinging???