Alright guys and gals any help would be really appreciated.

The facts:
----------
1996 SE 5-speed w/ 99,000 miles
Original Clutch/Thow out bearing/P.Plate etc...

The symptoms:
----------
Argghhhh many little things...

When I start my car their is a odd growl, when I put my foot on the clutch it goes away.

When I am at idle, same growl, but again goes away when clutch is in.

At idle in neutral with the growl the shifter vibrates just a bit, when the clutch is in, again no growl or vibrations

When I go to down shift, it howls and growls (sort of high pitch) goes away when my foot goes on the clutch.

The clutch does not slip at all and when I am under power (accelerating) everything is OK, but when I let off the gas, again with the noises.

I think it is the Throw out bearing.. what do you guys think.

Now I am not one to EVER put off doing work, but I am getting ready to move back to NJ from Arizona. How bad would it be for me to wait. What will happen if I contiue to drive it?

The reason why I ask is my buddy from school (SAE certified Mechani) will do all of the work for me in return to a night out on the town ( I could save much $$$$) also he can get all parts fro me at cost.

Thanks for the feedback and help once again guys.

P.S. If I do need to get the work done out here how do I find a good mechanic when you dont know anybody for 2,000 miles??

 

BTW, according to the book, how many hours is required fro hte clucth/thowout bearing/p.plate. Thanks again!

 

Update,

Just got back from an errand, now the tranny/engine makes a type of clicking noise in sink with the rpm's. Again it goes away when the cluth is depressed.

-Jeremy

 

I'm glad to hear that somone is having the same problem I'm having. By how many posts are up here, not a really common problem.

I started with that same ratchey gravel sound around 100k miles and has slowly escalated untill it went terminal last night. I've noticed that I've used up all my clutch hydraulic fluid over the last two months and occationally immediately after an "evasive" driving maeuver, I can't get my shifter into 1st or 2nd. It eventually works out and is fine but it worries me.

Last night something "gave" and I'm not driving except for to the shop. Here are the symptoms:
- Ratcheting click as above
- Uses clutch fluid
- An occational "catch" when the clutch is between the friction point and full release.

Noise occurs in all gears when clutch is out, including neutral. I'm calling a couple shops on monday to compare prices and schedules. I'm anticipating needing a full rebuild and new clutch. Should run around $1500. Ugh. I'm going to replace the starter at the same time. It's got that "I'm an old Nissan starter" noise on cold days.

I'll keep you posted on what happens and what solution we come up with.

-Chiefpeon