Hello all, I have an '07 MT (Blaze Orange represent) with 97k miles, and it let me down big time today. I went to go for a drive as usual, but was shocked to discover a loud grinding/squealing noise coming from the engine. Along with a burning smell similar to that of plastic, which i assume was the clutch. I came to find out that the noise occurs when the clutch was pressed in. Additionally, the RPMs drop immediately and the car stalls when clutch is pressed in for long enough. Once in 1st gear, the car drives fine. However, when shifting to any gear it feels like the clutch requires more pressure and engages further back than it did before.

Is this a symptom of a bad throwout bearing, or something else? Should i replace the clutch and pilot bearings while im at it?

 

It sounds like a catastrophic failure of the throwout bearing. Usually they don't just self destruct without giving you plenty of warning that they are going out.
I've only driven a couple of cars in my life with the bearing going out. In both cases, the bearing would chirp/squeal when you pressed in the clutch, then is quiet with the pedal out.

Did yours make any odd noises before today?

Regardless, it sounds like you're going to need to replace the throwout bearing. I'd put a whole clutch kit in while you're in there (throwout bearing, pilot, pressure plate, clutch plate). Based off of what you are descibing,
it sounds like there could be some other damage in there, so just replace it all.

 

Unless you have done it already, you could replace the rear main seal too if it has many miles.

 

If the sound changes with the pedal, it's very likely your throwout bearing.

 

It definately was, I also watched your transmission removal video a few times for reference so thanks for that. If only you made a follow up of re-installing it which was a pain for sure.