91 Stealth FWD - ticking noise coming from transmission when in neutral and idling

[frosty]

New-to-me 91 Stealth, what appears to be 40,000KM original.

Trans shifts fine, a bit sloppy but expected for a 30 year old vehicle IMO.

When idling in neutral there is a ticking noise coming from the transmission. It seems to be coming in particular from the end of the transmission closest to the passenger strut tower.

Before I start trying to diagnose this problem I figured I'd ask if this ticking sound rings any bells for members here? I know it could be a myriad of things (trans internal, clutch/pp/TOB, etc), but my lack of familiarity with these cars tells me it cant hurt to ask here first.

Thanks!

[stealthee]

There is a outer case there. Behind that case is the 5th gear set. If that is where the sound is coming from its possible the nut(s) have come unstaked and loosed themselves.

To check it is simple. Jack car up and support it. Remove passenger wheel and trans splash shield. There the outer case will be staring you in the face. I think there are 8 or 10 bolts, remove them and pull the case off. Make sure you have a drain pan handy as there will be some fluid in there. If the case is stuck there are a few pry points. It might get stuck on one of the two dowels so it sometimes can take a little effort.

Once the case is off two gears with two 36mm nuts are right there. They should be staked into place. If not torque them to spec (about 110 ft lb) stake them, and clean up the sealant and put it back together.

[Alan92RTTT]

Does the sound go away if you push the clutch in? Could be the throw out bearing.

[stealthee]

Very well could be the TOB, that was actually my first thought when i read the title. Could be input shaft though too.