I own a 1998 Honda Civic EX with 265,000 miles. My wife drives this car and there is a grinding noise at low speeds when the clutch is let out. From what I have read, the noise is most probably the ISB (input shaft bearing). The car still has the original clutch and the noise is not too bad. My question is, has anyone had a similar problem and how long did you drive the car before you fixed the problem? I have ordered a clutch kit (pressure plate/friction disk/throw out bearing and pilot bearing) also a new clutch master cylinder- the original one is losing the smooth operation it used to have. Reading about separating the transmission halves and inspecting and replacing worn parts. I would rather wait till spring to do the work since the clutch is still working fine. Thanks for your help.

 

got a 02 civic, and same noise at 265k, had the clutch, ISB, and surfaced the press plate, runs good and quiet now.

 

Check the clutch cable and disc they may have worn out. I also read somewhere that using the clutch unnecessarily will damage it real quick! and if there's air lodged in the hydraulic line, that could be another reason for the noise.