I won't completely rule out the throwout bearing, but it was just replaced with the new clutch and pressure plate from SLP..

 

I had the transmission fluid change and that seems to have helped, but it hasn't been loud for a few days anyway.. Just that one time. But there has always been a light vibration after downshifting and that was far less after the fluid change.. And it wasn't even flushed, just changed what ended up being 4 quarts..

But what may have caused it is that while the car as on the lift, we noticed that the slave cylinder is leaking clutch fluid.. So that could mean that it just didn't fully disengage the clutch that time and that's why it grinded.. So I'm getting that replaced on Monday and that should hopefully be the end of that problem.

 

Do you have any updates? My car does the same exact thing, and I am thinking that it has something to do with the clutch hydraulics.

 

My car has developed the exact same symptoms you described. It only happens every now and then, and only when I'm downshifting into lower gears, (mainly first and second).
This usually happens when it's cold, but still does it every now and then after warm.

Example:

I'm pulling up to a red light, and I downshift into second gear from third, with the clutch fully depressed. The shifter moves smoothly all the way down to the bottom of the 2nd gear gate, and then a half second later I hear/feel the grinding through the shifter. This will continue untill I start to let the clutch out, and the noise immediately goes away when the clutch reaches it's "friction point".

In my opinion if it were the synchro's, it would grind going into the gear, and not after it's already at the bottom of the gate.

I also thought the clutch may not be completely disengaging, but my clutch fluid is full, and I didn't see any fluid leaks.

*Note* If I double clutch before I downshift it seems to help.

Anyone have any further input, or possibly already cured the problem?

 

Anyone?

 

Lets give the experts in the Drivetrain forum a shot at it

 

Worn out pilot bushings or bearings in the end of the crankshaft can cause all kinds of vibrations and noises. It is worth checking.