85 4000SQ Clutch/Throw-out bearing problem? Strange noises....

[John <jb@access.digex.net>]

Hello all!

After taking my car in for a new front left wheel bearing, I starting
getting other strange noises.

My Audi now makes a soft metallic growl all the time (though it's not
really noticeable above 25 MPH due to road noise).  It sounds a little
like a slipping belt, but not really, and is coming from the area between
my clutch and manual transmission.  The noise seems about the same
parked or moving.

When I push the clutch in or let it out, it changes pitch, and at the
engagement point it is louder (and sometimes squeals a little).  It seems
to be coming from the area between my crankcase and manual transmission
under the car. 

A couple times I had strange problems when starting the car: once, it
just clunked and didn't start; the second try it started fine.  Another
time it squealed very loudly for about a minute.  I had just enough
time to get under the car, and the noise seemed to be coming from the
starter area (which is very near where the crankcase and transmission
meet), and then it stopped. 

The car shifts just fine and drives normally, except for the noises.

Could this have been caused by improperly putting the front left
half axle back on my car?  Or maybe an incompetent driver at the
repair place?  I imagine they did a road test....

Do I need a new transmission?  Or throw-out bearing?  How much would these
cost to have done at a shop?  Should I try replacing the transmission
fluid first?  Should I just keep driving and see what happens next?

Please help!  I get stressed when my Audi is sick!

John