TJ 2002 Famous Clutch Rattle (NV3550)
 

After 12 years without a Jeep (kids are old enough now..) I have a 2002 jeep TJ sport, perfect body, runs well but at Idle there seems to be a rattle that alot of people diagnose as a Throw out bearing problem.

When I push the clutch in the noise goes away, it is not there 100% of the time but most of the time at idle it makes this noise. Now I've read a ton of posts on this subject and alot say it's normal even an engineering magazine clained the NV3550 simply does not have great tolerances and makes noise. Marbles in a can, Diesel rattle etc....When I shut the engine off a rattle also occurs but it does not seem to be a timing/gas issue but the same sort of rattle from the clutch/tranny.

Any ideas on how to know for sure ? The Jeep is at a Tranny shop for a check but he already told me it sounds like a bearing in the tranny. Just hate to spend the money for a Jeep noise that's Normal.

Oh, I purchased it through a dealer so I did not speak or ask the owner before me if it made this sound - probably a good idea though...

Any suggestion here would be greatly appreciated..