i may try to record and upload a vid since these descriptions never really do a problem justice.

problemos:

1st and most alrming one: when flooring it, mostly in 2nd & 3rd, a bad grinding type of noise. definately drivers side so assuming trans/clutch related.

2nd: while decelerating mostly and now even when accelerating, i am hearing a slight repeating thumping noise, that slows down as the car does. sounds alot like when a rotor is warped but i know the rotors are fine.

3rd: after pulls i often smell burning and i think it smells like burning clutch. car doesnt 'slip' however.

4th: its slowly been getting harder more often to get into 1st and reverse

my buddys telling me possibly a t.o.b. / clutch disc issue.

car had new gmpp clutch kit with other stuff put in maybe 20-30k miles ago. im a good driver (dont burn clutch much) but i do ride her hard

 

have you tried slowing down in neutral to see if it is still making noise?

 

For sure not a wheel bearing?

 

I don't know the problem but I do know the solution and it can usually be found in Saab 9-3.

 

doesnt matter if im in gear or neutral for the thumping noise. but for the most part it was only making the noise when off the gas. which made me decide it is not a wheel bearing, though those may be bad as well :lol
fking cobalts...

love the suggestion bro id love to bite that bullet at be done with this f35 bullyshit trust me

 

any other takers

 

well guess ill be dropping the cradle this winter and ill find out then hopefully.

 

buump

 

1st problem: Could be shaft end bearings or those specific gear’s needle bearings.
2nd problem: sounds like a bad wheel bearing to me

maybe take a look at the fluid level/type.
miles?

 

What fluid did you pput in when you did the clutch job?

 

i put in the redline zzp fluid when i had my clutch changed; haven't checked the level

cars at 74000. clutch and all components are at about 25k miles of use

 

Meh. I would and did OEM. When I was reading the consensous was OEM on these pieces.

For what it is worth, my GMPP has a little burn smell to it occasionally. I never have a grind though.

 

I would like to buy a vowel.

 

oh another thing its slowly been getting harder to get into first and reverse this morning it took me a good minute to get it in reverse

 

Check your wheel bearings first. Im sure you know how to check those. Obviously start with the simple stuff, good visual check, etc.

 

That could have to do with the fluid. Theres no real way to check it though besides draining and refilling. Just measure to check all ~2 quarts are there. And the color is red.
Also could be linkage related but would be odd for it to be only 1st and reverse.
What kind of motor trans mounts to you have?

 

ive checked them they seem to be 'ok'

they don't make much noise when in free spin and there isn't excessive play - though i have no 'good' bearings to compare them too

i have before assumed they were shot - because cobalt

 

stock motor mounts
powell trans mounts
zzp axles
gmpp clutch, new oem flywheel, new tob, clutch pipe etc
redline mt90 fluid
lnf shifter linkage
twm short throw

 

Go inspect everything thoroughly and report back :p

 

Also the weather could be causing the hard shifts when its cold. Happens to all manuals, mine is kinda rough until it gets warmed up ya know

 

Not sure if this is related to your problem but when it's cold out I have a real bitch of a time getting the car into reverse when I first start it up.

 

Very true. Be easy on the trans when is cold haha.

 

ya its usually cold when i have the reverse issue. as for first its just random; the solution is shifting into second, then back into first

 

Try going in 3rd then reverse/1st when it's cold. I always did this regardless of temp to slow the shaft down.

 

Usually get a nasty clanking.sound.when going into reverse sometimes have to.roll the car forward then bring it back into reverse.seems common on cobalts