97 sunfire, clutch = funny noise, crankshaft bearings??

[derekh]

so my 97 2.2l sunfire makes like a whining noise when the clutch is in. this only happens when in neutral or first, once you get a little speed it doesn't happen (ie shifting into 3rd, etc.). i first noticed it probably 2 months ago, the first time i had my window down when the snow started to melt. i hadn't got it checked out yet when one day i remember it didn't make the noise. it just went away, so i didn't think any more about it.

then the noise came back again. so i took it to the dealership. they tell me that when the clutch is engaged, the crankshaft is moving. this is wearing the crankshaft bearings, which they say is basically a $2200 (cdn) job.

my question is, does this make sense? if this is the case then i don't understand why the noise happened only some of the time. also, this is a pretty major problem, so shouldn't driving it like this for 2-3 months have ultimately caused more damage by now?

i just don't wanna commit to $2k on a $5k car unless i'm sure that's the problem. i'd appreciate any help you can give me. thx.

[derekh]

i should also mention that in the 2 or 3 months of this, the car has been completely driving and shifting fine. if i hadn't had my window down and radio off, i never would have noticed.