98 5 speed: when I start moving I get a rubbing sound, quite loud at times, the harder I launch, or launching uphill the worse it is. In reverse no sound at all. I have tried starting in 2nd (As a test only) and it still happens but not as bad. from a rolling stop no real problem either. No shifting or drivability issues. Is this a clutch starting to go? because no issue in reverse was thinking maybe a brake binding? very puzzled and the sound annoys the crap outta me...

 

Clutch test.... get on freeway. Shift to 5th . Floor it and look at tach. Does tach go up a lotwhile car does not?

Does your car make the noise during right and left turns, or more in one direction?

 

I was thinking about wheel bearings but no sounds there. I have run it through the gears pretty hard to test clutch but not the test you describe, I will try that. I read about axle replacement, what happens when an axle starts to go?

 

I'm thinking cv joints- drive shaft. But I have not experienced this problem myself. Perhaps others can confirm or deny what I'm saying.

 

Drive shaft can get noisy, shake and vibrate under load.

 

Are you leaking any gear oil from the drives side axle seal?

 

If it is it isn't enough to drip, I will check there also. I have noticed that it's real stiff shifting for a bit now that it's getting cold over night. suspect gear oil may have been done very rarely. I have read that the redline can cause some seal weeping is it that big an issue or should I try to find regular gl-4?

 

Ok, did some tight circles in reverse, both directions this morning to double check for front end noise; no noises and so far through multiple start stops the rubbing sound is dramatically decreased. wth?

 

Throw out bearing or input shaft bearing