I noticed when it gets cold below 15deg or so my transmission makes some new noise. While the engine is running in neutral I get a sound from the transmission I can only describe as an intermittent chirping or low howling noise. When I push the clutch in it stops. And goes away completely after I've been driving for a good 10 mins. The fluid has about 40k miles on it and the car about 128k.
I've read comment from people saying everything from throwout bearing, input shaft bearing, or just the fluid being cold. I'm paranoid now that the input shaft bearing is going out. Is there anything else it could be. If this is just a normal thing when its cold I could live with that.
My bet would be the throwout bearing. But it also could be a worn out pilot bearing in the end of the crank shaft. Time for a new clutch package. When did you last change out your transmission gear oil in 13 years?
I bought the car with 79k miles. I had the fluid changed at Toyota 9/2020. I put on around 35.5k miles since then. I'm not sure about the clutch I never touched it. I can only assume it's the original one. It would be great if it was just the clutch.
How likely is the cause of the noise the input shaft bearing?
Not likely. They're pretty robust...It's the throw out bearing. Been through enough throw out bearings, and from what you've described pretty spot on.