grinding/whining noise when shifting

[ethanjscott]

I have a 96 4unner v6, 4wd, 280,000 miles. i recently took a 1500 mile road trip through the desert and in to the mountains where I had to put some pretty good time in 4wd. Got back home and found that when I shift, occasionally a whining or grinding noise comes out when i press the clutch in. however, the minute i depress the clutch the noise stops. It goes into gear fine, and still drives like a champ when in gear. If it didnt make a noise, i wouldnt know there was a problem at all. The noise is also inconsistent, usually only happens after the car is warm. I'm a far cry from a mechanic, just trying to gauge how much it'll cost me and the likely cause of the noise. HELP!

[jetwhine]

ethanjscott,

Sounds like you might have a throw out bearing starting to go out on you.

[ethanjscott]

Thanks for the reply. Curious, the throw out bearing sits between the transmission and the clutch? Hence if it was going it 'd cause friction between any play between the two? Any idea how much it'd cost to replace it? is it labor intensive?

Thanks again.

[jetwhine]

ethnajscott,

I would suspect what you are hearing is the infomous bearing noise. The bearing itself wearing out. Friction possibly.
Every local is different but I would put it in the $500-$700 range. If someone else can give a better idea great!
This is just a guess. Labor intensive: to me yes.