2001 Prelude SE clicking and loud humming

Just a month ago I bought a 2001 Prelude SE, manual transmission,
28000km (17000mi), and while I really like the car overall, it has some
issues that I can't quite figure out. The car is completely stock,
always maintained at a Honda dealership. I have another 3yr/60000km
warranty, so everything will be fixed at the dealership.

There is a clunk coming from the engine that happens RIGHT when 1st gear
is engaged. It happens rarely, but in all circumstances , dry or wet
weather, warm or cold engine, etc, seemingly at random. When it does
happen, it's not very loud, but it's noticeable. The clutch engages
properly, about half way down, it does not slip. I drove the car around
today, and I was able to consistently replicate them in 2nd gear as
well. With the car rolling forward at idle in 2nd, and the clutch fully
engaged, if I press the gas very lightly, it always clicks. It may click
if I press the gas harder, but I do not hear it then because of the
engine reving up.

Another problem is a loud humming noise coming from the front. It only
happens when pulling up my driveway (moderate slope up). If I stop on
the driveway with the wheels slightly to the left, I put it in 1st and
release the clutch I hear the hum. Closest I can describe it, it sounds
like a belt is slipping.

The people on hpoa.org said it might be a throw out bearing that needs
replacement. What do you guys think? I'm really new to manual
transmission cars in general, and to Preludes in particular, so I don't
really know how to troubleshoot these noises yet.

Cosmin

I take it nobody knows the reason my car is making those noises. I will
take it to the dealership on Thursday, and hopefully they'll be able to
sort everything out. If anyone's interested, I'll post an update.

Cosmin

Cosmin N. wrote:
 > Just a month ago I bought a 2001 Prelude SE, manual transmission,
 > 28000km (17000mi), and while I really like the car overall, it has some
 > issues that I can't quite figure out. The car is completely stock,
 > always maintained at a Honda dealership. I have another 3yr/60000km
 > warranty, so everything will be fixed at the dealership.
 >
 > There is a clunk coming from the engine that happens RIGHT when 1st gear
 > is engaged. It happens rarely, but in all circumstances , dry or wet
 > weather, warm or cold engine, etc, seemingly at random. When it does
 > happen, it's not very loud, but it's noticeable. The clutch engages
 > properly, about half way down, it does not slip. I drove the car around
 > today, and I was able to consistently replicate them in 2nd gear as
 > well. With the car rolling forward at idle in 2nd, and the clutch fully
 > engaged, if I press the gas very lightly, it always clicks. It may click
 > if I press the gas harder, but I do not hear it then because of the
 > engine reving up.
 >
 > Another problem is a loud humming noise coming from the front. It only
 > happens when pulling up my driveway (moderate slope up). If I stop on
 > the driveway with the wheels slightly to the left, I put it in 1st and
 > release the clutch I hear the hum. Closest I can describe it, it sounds
 > like a belt is slipping.
 >
 > The people on hpoa.org said it might be a throw out bearing that needs
 > replacement. What do you guys think? I'm really new to manual
 > transmission cars in general, and to Preludes in particular, so I don't
 > really know how to troubleshoot these noises yet.
 >
 > Cosmin<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->