[lordvoldemort]

I have this squealing/whining noise when I release the clutch pedal (engage the clutch). It only happens when the clutch pedal is getting released. As soon as it's fully released, it goes away. Going through various threads, it seems like it's either throwout or pilot bearing. The sounds been there for quite a while now and it's not getting any worse. My question is

How long can I drive like this ? Do I need to take care of it immediately ? Or is it okay to drive for now ?

[xtreme 2]

Drive it til pushing in the clutch doesn't do anything... then powershift... lol

[goren813]

Eventually, and this will take a long time, the bearing will fall apart completely from inside out. I just changed a wheel bearing on my girl's Focus and the thing fell out in dozens of pieces (100k on the wheel bearings).

So, most likely not something that you'll need to handle asap, TOB's on these cars are notorious for being noisy. However, I wouldn't ignore it completely as if everything is peachy keen.

What's the mileage on the clutch? Ever been replaced? If not and you're getting close to or over 100k it may be on its way out as a whole. How's the clutch operate other than noise? Shifts smooth and easy?

Edit: You mention the Pilot Bearing as well. This is a part that comes with a lot of clutch kits and you should definitely replace it if/when you replace the clutch. Not normally something you would replace on its own, as it requires getting past the clutch to do so.

[ag11hockey]

ive been driving mine for about a year now with the TOB squealing like a pig. its annoying as fuck but havent really had the time/patience to pull the whole transmission out again.