i have a hpi nrs4 3 type ss i get the sameclinging noise , my friend gets the same noise also i went back and check the washer acording to the assembly instructions i went to the local hobby shop and ask them also i even replace the washer triple check the pilot nut holding the flywheel i even went as far as taking apart the 2 speed thinking it was the spur gears i even replaced the gears i checked the hpi racing website for updates after all this i came to a conclusion i feel it normal my car run beautiful no hestitation or any sort of promblem just a little clinging hope this all helped