I have a 2004 2500 with a NV 4500 five speed manual transmission.

The transmission recently started making a ticking/metallic sound while at idling in neutral, but goes away once the clutch is engaged. Also, when engaging the clutch is feels like it's binding up. Even more so as the pedal is fully compressed. Feels like trying to shove a metal pole through a rubber donut that's a little too small for the pipe......that's what she said.

I'm thinking it's the input shaft bearing, but wanted to get a few more opinions before I pull the transmission.....which I'm sure I'll have a couple questions about if it comes to that. The clutch was recently replaced, I can't think how that would be related, but I could be WAY off on this.

I also want to check/change the fluid in the trans, but have a couple questions as well.

First, do you think it's worth changing the fluid first and seeing if that solves the problem? I'm thinking no, but that's much easier than pulling the trans....

Second, there doesn't seem to be a drain plug on the trans. Do I need to use a pump to remove the old fluid? Or is there another way? There are two plates on each side of the trans with 6 bolts (at least I think 6) holding each one. Are these inspection plates and can I drain the fluid from here?

Thanks in advance for the help, sorry for the book.