Will a worn release bearing cause drag and low idle?

[German-Whips]

Just wondering whether someone could shed some light on whether a worn release bearing which is very noisy when the clutch isn't pressed, but quietens up when pressing on the clutch could cause a low idle?

My car currently idles at about 700 when started in the morning from cold, and drops to about 500 when warmed up.

My release bearing is on it's way out, as when in neutral without the clutch pressed it makes a whining/whirring sound, which goes away as soon as I press the clutch pedal down.

Pressing or releasing the clutch doesn't make any difference to the idle speed of the car.

I'm wondering could the worn release bearing be one of the reasons for my low idle?

Note: The car has a lightened flywheel, and it is an M20B25 motor

Thanks

[pacerpete]

It will NOT be your release bearing worn or on its way out that is making the noise or causing the idle issue. Assuming the noise goes away or is virtually inaudible when you raise the revs to 850-900 It WILL be the gearbox layshaft rattling. When the idle issue is fixed, so will the gearbox chatter.
If the noise does not go away when you raise the revs, the gearbox layshaft bearings are toast and another box is the most cost effective fix.

Turdz !

[Speedtouch]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ake#Idling

[German-Whips]

Bloody Turdz!

Pete, will give you a shout when I'm back from holiday to get the turd sorted out.

Will probably be around the end of October I'd imagine.