Grinding noise while engine braking, only in gear...

[robs90tsi]

Ok, I cant figure it out, I have this very slight grinding type noise, its not loud at all, but its noticable if you listen for it, only when Im in gear and engine braking, I could push the clutch in or put it in neutral and it will go away. I have no idea as to what it could be. It sounds like the kind of grinding you get if your brakes are stopping metal to metal, but not near as loud as brakes. I pulled the front wheels, spun them, can only hear brake pad friction on the rotor, nothing else, and theres no metal to metal wear on the rotors at all. Now I was thinking possibly a wheel bearing, but Ive never heard a wheel bearing make that kind of noise, nor only during engine braking. I dont know what it could be. Oh ya, it sounds like its coming from my left front, but Im not 100% sure on that. My tranny's synchros are bad, but I dont think that has anything to do with it, I hope, Im in real need of help here, because as soon as I heard it, I parked my car, and it hasnt moved since, but I need to fix it, better yet, I want to know if its a severe problem, this way I can know whether or not I can drive it like that (not hard of course) until I can get it fixed sometime this coming week, because I need to get to work, and need my car, but I just dont want to start throwing money at it taking a guess as to what it is. Oh, and just for more info, my left front strut is bad, it makes that wobble sound when you hit a bump, but the cars not riding funny or anything like that, someone please help me asap.

 

[robs90tsi]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213619&highlight=grinding+noise

I found this thread, and this is exactly whats happening to me, but is it unsafe to drive like this, and how can I figure out exactly where its coming from?? Also, are there any temporary fixes?

 

[fastalon82]

If the Needle and Carrier bearings in your tranny are going out then I wouldnt drive it. If a needle bearing locks up then it will weld itself to the rails. If this happens while your driving it, it will lock up the tires until you push in the clutch. I'd have a simple rebuild done from TRE or Shep. If you do drive it, flush your tranny out with some ATF and fill it will some Lucas gear oil or something thick. That MIGHT help out.

 

[robs90tsi]

^^^^^ Not really the answer I was looking for, I also believe its in the tranny, because what would make a grinding noise only in gear while engine braking??? The damn tranny, ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I dont know what the hell Im gonna do now, I cant afford to wait to save the money for a Shep tranny, but I also hate doing things halfass, if Im gonna replace it, I only like to do it once. Anyone selling a tranny for $4-500??