Nissan Repair: 1997 Nissan pickup clutch noise, clutch replacement, temperature grease

Question
When I press the clutch pedal in, I hear a noise that isn't a squeal or a grinding so much as something that sounds sort of like a small electric motor (as in the windshield wiper pump). When I put the truck into gear it still makes the sound, but once I release the clutch it disappears. I hear it again when I push the clutch pedal to shift to second, but cannot notice it above second gear. I have no trouble getting the truck into gear and have had no other transmission problems. What's wrong?

Answer
Ian,

You probably need a throw out bearing and a pilot bushing replaced.  This means the transmission has to be removed to get to these and since the vehicle is over ten years old it would be wise to do a clutch replacement.  When you have the transmission out be sure to polish the input shaft where the throw out bearing slides.  Also, wipe it down with a good high temperature grease and rub it in and then wipe it off completely.  Change the gear grease too and you should be fine for another ten years.