Yeah, a new throwout bearing and installation(**)wouldn't leave you with much change from a $500 bill if any. Your idea of having the problem diagnosed by a dealer is a good course to take, or you can use an independent tech that you trust.

**And pressure plate/clutch disk while they're at it.

 

If it appears that the throw-out bearing is on it's way out, you might as well replace the pressure plate and clutch disk, and check the flywheel for warp. Then, if you are an expert with a standard transmission, you can forget about clutch problems for a long, long time.

 

Agreed, if it is indeed a bad throw out bearing, replace the clutch disk and pressure plate while you are in there. To re-ask a question, do you only hear the squeek when the clutch is depressed, or is it constant when the engine is running regardless of the clutch position?

 

The squeaking happens at all times,not just with the clutch depressed. The grinding depends on how I'm letting out the clutch.

 

Hmmmm, Doesn't really sound like a throw out bearing to me, if you hear the noise when the clutch is fully engaged. Back to the stethoscope to track the location of the squeek.

 

I'll be picking one up soon, and I'll figure out where it's coming from, but seeing as I don't have any idea as to the actual state of the clutch, I'm going to have that all checked anyway.

 

I realized I let this thread kind of go off on it's own. UPDATE: I got the mechanic's stethoscope, but it didn't wield any results since I couldn't access the bearing in question. After some in person opinions, it's been (thankfully) realized that it isn't the throwout bearing because the sound is constant, and goes away when the engine is revved. The problem I face now is accessing the belt system. That 2.4 is wedged in there, and access to any pullies is mediocre at best. I have a new belt, and tensioner pulley, but I am now trying to find the best plan of attack for replacement.

 

I would have said tensioner, but you said it definitely was not that. The stethoscope would test that also. You need a "special GM" tool to do the belt/tensioner, or fabricate one for yourself, The generic tool will not work.

 

Isn't that always the way? I did find a socket that fits, but it's a matter of getting in there to get it off now. Once I get a good solid weekend with nothing else to do, I'm attacking this thing. I obsess about squeaks and rattles, so this is like top of the list right now.

 

check catalytic converter heatshields...