Transmission whines in neutral. How much would it cost to fix?

So I can't find the link to the thread now, but I was reading up on this issue a little bit. Basically, the truck whines when it is in neutral and the clutch is up but the whining stops when you push the clutch down. And when you're on the highway the transmission whines in every gear but fourth. I think there is some kind of bearing going out in the transmission if I remember the post I read correctly.

Anyway, I took my truck to a shop locally to get it checked out. The mechanic verified that he thinks it's a bearing in the transmission. He said a bearing kit, new clutch and all the labor would be around $1800 to fix the issue. Does this sound about right or too much?​

 

What he said below...

I didn't read the original post thoroughly.

 

The throw out bearing will whine in every gear if it's going to whine - it sits on the input shaft and always turns. It's not actually in the transmission, but the transmission has to come out of the truck to get to it. $1800 for a clutch job (clutch kits include a new throwout bearing and usually a new pilot bearing) is really steep. It should be more like $800-$1000. If the whine is in all other gears but stops in 4th, it means the bad bearing is on your countershaft inside the transmission, or sometimes the input shaft bearing. Basically what you need in that case is a transmission rebuild or a replacement used transmission. There is no point in taking the transmission out and pulling it apart to replace one bearing - you should replace all the bearings, seals, and synchros while you are in there. $1800 sounds more reasonable for that job, but I would make sure you're getting a full rebuild and that it's a reputable transmission shop that does the work, not just a general mechanic who also does transmission rebuilds.

If you decide to go with a used transmission, I have one for sale here in the area for $550. I might be willing to install it, but you will still be looking at maybe $1300-$1400 by the time you're done - assuming you put a new clutch kit in while you're in there, which I would highly recommend while you have the transmission out. Another $30-$40 to resurface the flywheel wouldn't be a bad idea either.

 

My truck has had the same whine since I bought it a year ago. Hasn't gotten any worse and doesn't seem to affect the operation of the transmission. I work at a Toyota dealer for a summer job and I've driven a few other trucks with the same power train that make the same noise. Some whine and some don't. I wouldn't worry about it until it actually becomes a problem.

 

Just an update on this:

So I bit the bullet and finally took it to a shop. The mechanic took the transmission apart and told me to stop by if I had a chance. He showed me the bearing that was making the noise and it in fact was worn. However, it may have lasted a little longer who knows. Anyway, while he was in there he replaced all the bearing, syncros and the clutch. $1800 out the door and all is well.

 

What shop did you use?

 

I'm actually in Wyoming for the time being so I had a guy in Jackson do it. I'll be back in the South soon...

 

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This guy is pretty much on target , if it was input bearing that whine would last entire time of ownership or it could end tomorrow with a trans melt down if the bearing comes apart... It's not an expensive part but the main shaft has to come out to R&R IIRC....

Glad yer rolling again tho'...