Clutch Noise?

[Sil40_Mayhem]

I searched the forums, but I didn't find a post related to my specific problem...

'95 240SX with ~140K miles. When the clutch pedal is pressed in, there is a groaning/squealing noise which is consistent with the engine RPM. When that happens, there is also a matching vibration in the shifter. If I move the shifter to neutral, the noise remains until I release the pedal. Sometimes, if I release the pedal and press it again, the noise goes away (and usually returns in time for the next shift). It's also difficult to get into reverse when this is going on.

It used to be that this would only happen when the car was cold. It would go away just as soon as the car warmed up. Now, it happens all the time. What could be causing this? I've seen replies on similar threads about throwout bearings and pilot bushings. Could it be that I have somehow gotten air in my hydraulic lines? Any help would be appreciated.

[scottydog]

Bad throwout bearing, no question about it. It's not hydraulics!

[Sil40_Mayhem]

Really? Crap, that means taking stuff apart (something at which I'm not adept). Thanks for the insight.

[scottydog]

You can keep driving it until it fails, but then you have to tow it back to the garage. Consider a new clutch kit and flywheel while you're at it. Clutch kits are $125 including the to bearing. the labor is the hard part.

[Sil40_Mayhem]

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to take that into consideration when the time comes to fix it.