14' Mazda3 Manual Trans Grinding noise
 

I have a 14' mazda 3 sedan 2.0 liter manual transmission. when ever i let my foot off the clutch in neutral, there is a grinding noise coming from the transmission. I am under the impression that it is the input shaft bearing. please let me know if i am wrong. that being said if it is the input shaft bearing, would i be better off replacing the transmission, or doing open case surgery on it? I was a mechanic for 6 years in my 20s, i have replaced maybe 5 transmission in my life, 3 of them being manual transmissions on v8s. i rebuilt 1 manual transmission in school but it was a really old 3 speed, so i am not so confident in my ability to rebuild a transmission. what is the estimated time for replacing a transmission on these vehicles. i really like driving this car, it has about 175k the body is in junk shape so selling it wont net me much, i dont think, but it doesnt bother me. is it worth it to replace the transmission or should i just try to get out from under it while it still runs?

I know i have a lot of questions in this post but any info and answers would help, Thank you very much for taking the time to read this!!!

Welcome aboard.


I'd cut my losses and look for another example.