Clutch Pedal Noise

["Mike Hopton" <mike@genesis-microchip.on.ca>]

     I am looking for suggestions why the clutch pedal mechanism on my '85 TQC 
     makes a "creaky-thump" sort of noise. The noise happens after the clutch 
     has been depressed and let out, about an inch before it comes to rest. The 
     noise is accompanied by a pause in the pedals motion, occasionally quite 
     long, ~1s.
     
     I removed the card/foam panel around the pedals and checked there were no 
     interference problems, sprayed some WD40 around hopefully, no luck. Is it 
     worth bleeding the slave cylinder? Lubing the boot on the master cylinder? 
     Or has anyone experienced problems with the spring that returns the clutch?
     
     Doomsday scenario is I need to replace the clutch MC, not good news or even 
     worse the slave....
     
     Thanks and regards, Mike