I have a 2003 evo 8. Last nighy i was driving and the cotter pin holding the washer on the linkage cable for the clutch fell off as i was getting off the highway. I had to put the car on reverse and park it in a parking lot. Once i fixed that part. I started the car and it would drive through the gears fine. Except when i let go of the clutch it makes this awfulnoise almost like a rubbing, little bit of grinding noise. And i drove it for 30 seconds and it does it to when i drive except when engaging the clutch. And yes i have a aftermarket clutch in it. But its never made this noise before only after cotter pin came out. Any helpful information will be helpful dont wanna waste a lot of money paying mechanics to do process of elimination. Thank you

 

I'm experiencing the same noise on my car now. And its also a 03 and the clutch is possibly stock. (Bought the car not too long ago and didn't see any maintenance for the clutch)

It seems to be making the noise when i'm letting go of the clutch, mostly in 1st and 2nd and sometimes randomly when I'm at a dead stop.

I haven't looked at it but I suspect it's either the trans or the TC.

I'll have to check my fluids and double check my cotter pin on my cables.

 

Check fluid in transmission IMMEADIATELY. I bought the car 3 weeks before it happen to me. I was scheduled to have all t he fluids changed a few days after it happen. Should of went sooner. The idiot I bought it from did a clutch job on it and drained the transmission fluid and never put any back. So I had to buy a new stage 1 shepherd transmission. I would check your fluids first.

 

And I woulsnt drive it at all until u check fluid level. Because aftee I put fluid back in my transmission I thought it would be fine cause the noise went away. But I had a bad grind going into 3rd gear. And when I open the transmission it was just totally shot in there.

 

Okay, After going under my car and looking at all possible things that could be loose and make any sound while driving, I finally found the problem to the werid noise I was getting during driving.

It turns out my aftermarket downpipe was touching my lower tie bar making loud noises when taking off in first gear and under normal driving.

I've removed the tie bar and drove around and the car had stopped making noises.
Now I will need to purchase some longer screws and spacers.

 

You are lucky thats all it was. I had to replace my transmission. I bought a new one from Shepherd. Whoever did the clutch on my car didnt put transmission fluid back in should NOT be a mechanic at all. Glad to hear yours was no wheres near as bad as mine.

 

Damn. Sad thread.