Mk3 whirring/grinding noise, possible clutch related?

[8bit]

Noticed on the other half's mk3 (2.0, 5-speed, no LSD) that when in neutral if I lift my foot off the clutch there's a slight but noticeable whirring or grinding noise. If I fully depress the clutch it disappears, lift it again and there it is.

Not sure where it's coming from and I've only driven the car from cold lately (usually just to put it on the driveway once I'm done with my own car for the night) so I guess it could just be a "cold noise", just never noticed it until very recently.

Anyone recognise this at all?

[arthurc604]

I had this on my Mk2 6-speed. Did a gearbox oil change (probably the first one for the car) with the Ford synthetic fluid (75W-90 BO FINIS:1045737) and it was immediately quieter and shifted better. A few weeks later, the noise is completely gone.

[8bit]

OK, sounds promising, I'll try that first - thanks. Should have pointed out that the clutch feels fine and doesn't show any signs of slippage so I guess that's a good sign.