I've never seen one that was sealed but my experience may not be exhaustive
On my ECHO all four main bearings (two each on the input and output shafts) are in the fluid. In fact, every bearing on the transmission is in the fluid, none are sealed.
And the symptoms you describe - are you sure it isn't the output shaft bearing? In a way if its a main shaft bearing (which it often is), it doesn't really matter which one. If you take the transmission apart to replace one you really want to replace all four. There isn't much reason not to. Generally the needle bearings don't go bad only the ball bearings.
BTW my ECHO's transmission does not have a pilot bearing, a lot of them don't.
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
I feel your pain Brandon. My Corolla does the exact same thing, especially when it's cold. Has for several years. In neutral idling with foot off the pedal, there is a distinct whining noise. When I push the clutch pedal in, the noise goes away. I also was under the impression it's the input bearing.
Does anyone know whether the input bearing on most manual transmissions is lubricated by the gearbox fluid, or is it a sealed bearing?