the noise doesnt go away at all and the truck just creeps around if it moves at all. i opened the QRC and it is pristine inside. there was no wear (shavings) like you would see if it was coming apart. currently the truck is in the brake forward only mode. what about the possibility of a clutch tranny, or engine piston failure. i dont know much about them. when i was stationed in korea all i did was jsut take it to the local hobby shop and he fixed everyhting when needed. thanks for your insight