Volvo: 240 wagon throwout bearing, clutch replacement, dangerous side effects

Question
Hey Jason,

My '89 240 wagon has been making clutch noises the past several hundred miles. It is very clearly the throwout bearing (characteristic grinding/squealing noise only when clutch is engaged). My question is, what are the risks of not replacing the throwout bearing right away? When I took my wagon in for its 240,000 mile service a few months ago, they did tell me the whole clutch would have to be replaced within the year...I'm now at 245k and figure I'll have the money for a full clutch replacement in another two months. Can I wait until then? And/or, how many more miles can I wait?

This wagon is original clutch, original engine, in my family its whole life, no major engine problems ever, every service done on time. My jewel.

Thanks.

Answer
Those bearings usually take quite a bit of time to go bad, so several months will probably be ok.  Worst case senario, the bearing may seize or fly apart at speed depending on the nature of its damage; taking some of the clutch or pressure plate with it in the process.  Considering that those are replaced with a clutch job anyway, I don't consider it a huge risk.  The biggest problem you will have between now and when you get a new clutch is when the bearing completely fails, it will probably make the car undrivable, possibly leaving you stranded somewhere.  Beyond that, I don't think there is a risk of any permanent or dangerous side effects, and most likely, you'll go the whole time with a bit of noise and nothing else.  Good luck!