Clutch/Transmission issues???

[96TAragtop]

Hi Guys,

I started having a weird problem a few weeks ago on my way home from work.

It first started, when I was taking off from a light. I had a hard time getting the car in 1st gear... almost like I didnt have the clutch all the way in or something... it went in with a 'clunk', and took off fine. Upon shifting to 2nd, it had the same feel... grinded into 2nd this time (It's NEVER, ever done this. My tranny has always been in good shape. Im very nice to it). 3rd & 4th were fine. Never had the problem again after that.

HOWEVER-

Now, its making a horrible honing/vibration sound. Its really hard to explain the noise. But you feel it in the clutch pedal and shifter. It only does it under the following conditions:

1) On it's way into gear, while upshifting.
2) Also does it if the clutch pedal is in, shifter in a gear, and revv the engine. It feels worst here.
3) Only mid-upper engine RPMS (3500+ if I had to guess)

If its in neutral with the clutch pedal out, it doesnt make the noise when revving. Also, once it's in gear, it seems fine. Shifts fine, and sounds fine once in gear. Doesnt make the noise when shifting, as long as rpms are down a bit. The transmission otherwise feels totally normal, except that sound.

Here are my thoughts:

Throwout bearing??

When I bought the car, it had a bad clutch. Dealer agreed to replace it. I fought them HARD later, to get it done. They didnt want to pay for it. I wouldnt doubt it if they only replaced the disc. New disc has only 24k on it, without much abuse. Im not terribly hard on clutches & trannies. Dont race much, dont speed shift or do clutch dumps and such.

Thoughts?

THANKS!
~George

[Joe 1320]

Tough to say. I say it needs a certain amount of disassembly in order to tell exactly what it is. Could be anything from the clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, fork, syncros, lack of fluid, and the list goes on.....

[96TAragtop]

Thanks Joe!! Im thinking Ill just replace the whole clutch assembly. Im not sure it all was the last time (dang lyin', cheatin' dealers ). Prolly just threw a disc at it and got me out the door.

Hydralic fluid was fine, tranny doesnt have any leaks, and it still shifts wonderfully. Ive felt what failed/failing synchros feel like, and mine are still smooth as silk. But who knows? Ill have to rip 'er apart soon I guess.

Thanks!
~George