Strange clutch problem...

[P0W3RTR1PP]

I was driving a few days ago and was remarking on how much pull my 240 was giving me -seemed more torqey than usual- When I slowed and put the car into 2nd, a loud whirring sound started coming from underneath my shift boot. It was hard to get the car into first and the whirring continued. I engaged the clutch and attempted to stop the car, the engine shuddered and died as if the clutch wasn't depressed. I restarted the car, and was able to drive it home safely, however the noise and difficulty shifting, continued. When the car was in gear, it drove as smoothly as ever, except in the lower gears.

What on earth is going on here?

I'ld like to have an idea on what it is before I take it to a transmission shop.

[Onizuka]

Have you ever changed or checked the transmission oil?

[P0W3RTR1PP]

Yeah, actually last month it was bled and fresh put in. I was afraid that perhaps the lack of fluid had caused damage to the cylinders, but after it was bled and refilled, the car shifted great, spare a little play in the clutch due to normal wear.

[benemorius]

Does the noise occur when the clutch pedal is up? If not, it sounds like your throwout bearing is giving up.

The two things you will screw up from driving it like this are: further damage to the bearing (not that it really matters since it's already going), and extra wear on your synchros due to the hard shifting.

[P0W3RTR1PP]

Hehe. Well you were right. It's the throw out bearing. So I'm just going to go ahead and replace everything while I'm at it.

[benemorius]

Cool. Welcome to Nico, by the way. Be sure to stick around.

[P0W3RTR1PP]

Yeah, thanks. I hope to. I can find all kinds of good advice here.

[benemorius]

Indeed you can. Don't miss the Online Mechanic sections down toward the bottom. Experienced Nissan/Infinity technicians take some time every day to come help Nico members with their problems there.