Rattling noise

[Majed]

I've just purchased a 2002 1.6 vvti Corolla, and it has started to
make a sort of grinding or rattling noise when in gear only. On
start-up in neutral the car sounds normal, clutch pedal pressed or
not. But as soon as I drive and get to 3rd, 4th and 5th gear there is
a rattling sound coming from the engine area. It is definitely
mechanical ie not wheel bearing related, and the noise disappears
as soon as I press the clutch when I'm driving. The noise seems to
be more apparent in 4th and 5th gear at around 30 to 40mph, but I
think it may be there whenever I am not pressing the clutch and I
have a feeling that the noise may be just quieter and hidden under
engine noise in lower gears.
The main problem I have is that I have taken it to 2 different
trusted mechanics to confirm the problem - one says that it is the
thrust bearing and that the rest of my clutch is on its last legs, the
other says its the gearbox and that they were faulty on this model.
Both are adamant that they are correct and I don't want to risk
paying for work on the car if it is not going to fix the problem, as
both gearboxes and clutches are expensive!
Other than the noise the car drives relatively well and it has low
mileage for its age, 44,000.
Please let me know your thoughts so that I can decide which route
to go down 1st!
Thanks.
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[Niky]

If you drive on 4th gear with 30mph the engine will struggle and start rattling. Same applies for 5th gear and 40mph. Just go a gear down woth the same speed and see of the rattle is there, if its not you've solved your problem.