2001 Dodge Dakota squealing

CMBASHAM1

MEMBER
2001 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
186,000 MILES

My truck started squealing a few days ago when the clutch was pressed. Now it is squealing loudly all the time. Today the clutch seems a little harder to press. Is this a major emergency for repair or can it make the 250 mile drive home this weekend. I am trading it in for a new car on Saturday and don't want to put extra money into it.

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 8:09 PM

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello and thanks for donating

Unfortunately, a squealing sound that occurs when the clutch is depressed and held is usually caused by a bad pilot baering or bushing. Does the noise seem to go away as you release the clutch?

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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 8:46 PM

CMBASHAM1

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3 POSTS

Today the truck is squealing for a short time after depressing the clutch.

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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 8:52 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

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16,542 POSTS

Usually squealing associated with a clutch fault only happens during depressing or releasing the clutch pedal. Your squealing may just be a drive belt. May also want to check your fluids (brake, clutch etc.)

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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 8:56 PM

CMBASHAM1

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3 POSTS

My son says that the noise does go away after releasing the clutch. Do you think it will be ok to make the 300 mile drive home. We are getting rid of truck this weekend.

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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 9:05 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

I would hate to say that it could or couldn't make it a certain distance but if it just started this squealing than most likely it will last for quite a while longer, I personally wouldn't be worried to drive it 300 miles in this condition, just my opinion though.

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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 9:11 PM