It is not the TO bearing. TO bearing will make noise with the clutch pedeal depressed, not released.

When the clutch is released, there is no pressure on the TO bearing. The main shaft is spinning, so it can be any bearing on the mainshaft.

 

Now that I think about it, I did have it backwards. Thanks Billman. Clutch in with noise = Throwout bearing is suspect. Clutch out in neutral with noise = one of the mainshaft bearings.

 

so i should be looking at a tranny swap right? cheaper/easier than a rebuild

 

It would be cheaper/easier to just find a used transmission and swap it out yes, but if you have some mechanical skills and some special tools you can repair your own for not much money. I rebuilt my own transmission like new for ~$1800....including parts and special tools needed. Plus you cannot know the condition of the used transmission with the certainty of when you rebuild one yourself with all new parts. Check out my How to in the FAQ section and see if it is something you would want to try. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

thanks!

 

I think I also have this issue, I changed to amsoil trans fluid and car shifts smoother now but still have slight "noise." Kind of like marbles in a low viscous liquid kind of grinding noise, its quite slight though. Is this ok to drive on for now? Should I be worried about a new trans? ...