Grinding noise when I release clutch

[pinball_wizard]

Hi guys. A nooob here.

Tonight I got in my car and drove it as normal. I got to a roundabout, dropped to 2nd then back to 3rd and when I lifted the clutch to put it into gear, i heard a very loud grinding.

I pulled over and knocked it into neutral. Without touching the accelerator pedal, I lifted the clutch in all gears and had the same grinding noise.

The tow truck guy said it could possibly be the driveshaft. I would normally ask my dad to help in these situations but he is sadly not around anymore, so I wondered if anyone here could give me some pointers as to what to look for.

I am fine at fixing cars myself, I'm just awful at troubleshooting the buggers.

I asked over at Clio197 and they suggested to ask you guys.

Thanks for reading.
2001 Clio Sport 172

 

[The Boosh!]

Welcome to ClioSport, pinball_wizard

 

[Budgie]

Does it go into gears and drive still?

 

[danh90]

Clutch cable? is it a creaking noise sort of

 

[pinball_wizard]

It is very much a grinding noise. I don't want to risk putting into gear fully and driving as it sounds awful.

 

[dawsondj01]

is the grinding noise present when the clutch is pressed? if no then its the release bearing, (mechanic for last 10 years so not talking outa my bum)

 

[The Fatty]

release bearing would make the same noise in neutral, from the OP is sounds like its only happening when in a gear? need confirmation. Its not a drive shaft is it happens when stationary.