Stopped at a red light the other night and I could hear a clanking noise coming from the stick shift area. When I push the clutch in it goes away, also the clanking does not seem to increase with the engine speed and it is getting harder to get in gear. I ordered a clutch kit and a few people have said that it sounds like an input shaft to them. I dont know any symptoms of a input shaft going out. I drive a 03 manuel six speed. I have 160,000 miles on it so it's probably due for a new clutch. If it is the input shaft I assume this is a tranny rebuild? What do you guys think?

 

Well it is odd that you say that the noise does not increase with rpm if anything with the clutch or transmission is the cause.

 

Clutch engaged (foot off pedal) in neutral, everything rotates except output shaft. Input shaft rotates same as flywheel so no motion there. Clutch might rattle at idle if there is a part loose or a cracked piece or broken spring on the hub. You may or may not notice a vibration at higher rpm.

Clutch disengaged (pedal to the floor) flywheel and clutch pressure plate turn, throwout bearing is under load and clutch disc and input shaft should not be turning. Difficulty getting into gear means the input shaft and disc are turning and the synchros must work hard to stop the shaft and disc when put into gear. Disc might be dragging due to damaged pressure plate or disc hub or the input shaft could be seizing on the flywheel pilot. I have had both happen on different occasions on my old 12 valve engine.

Probably are going to have to pull the clutch and trans to check it out. Not sure about which trans is in yours but most I've seen can replace the input shaft without disassembling the trans. Just remove the front snout and go from there. While you are doing the work consider changing the hydraulics as well. They wear out too and are not very good to start with.