Congrats, Jmarcin!

About not hearing a high pitched sound: I always hear a high pitched sound. It's called tinnitus and it makes it hard to hear high pitched sounds from other sources. Yeah, let's just say the owner must have tinnitus......

Every 3 years or so you should replace the brake fluid. The reservoir on top of the master cylinder has a compartment for the clutch hydraulic. Next time you get the brake fluid replaced tell them to flush out the clutch hydraulic as well. Has it been 3 years? If so put the job on the list together with the next oil change.

And you have already done the most important thing: kicking the clutch riding habit.

 

Too many loud concerts back in the day, Tan?? LOL

Yes, anticlimactic in this case is VERY good. I hope for their sake they were able to return the first clutch for warranty.
The flywheel still concerns me though? One would assume a machine shop would measure for run out, check for hot-spots and minimal thickness when, even before they do the work?
And yes, brake fluid, also used in a hydraulic clutch system, is hydroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture even within a closed system. It will break down over time. It's a good idea to have the system purged and replenished every couple of years to avoid internal corrosion.
Now on a Tribute, essentially a Ford under a different name, I think the slave cylinder is part of the TOB, and if I'm correct they would had to have bled it when replacing with the new one. I'm not entirely sure of my facts.

But for now, it seems you've managed to side-step a potentially large, and time consuming problem. Congratulations!!

 

Thank for the support! Regarding the brake fluid -- I had the master cylinder replaced twice about two or three years ago because it was leaking brake fluid and my brake light kept coming on. When you popped the hood you could see the fluid leaking from under the MC. I had the MC replaced twice because the first time the labor or the part was faulty and it continued leaking (it had a warranty). This was all everyone's favorite shop -- Firestone. You don't want to know how much I paid for that MC replacement. Plus, I just found out recently that the Tribute had a recall on the MC years ago. I had no idea, and to be honest, I still am not sure if it was exactly my car or the V6. If it did include my car, I guess there is no way to backtrack and get a refund on that replacement because of that recall is there. Apparently there was also a recall on the rack and pinion (again, not sure if it was my 4cyl), which I also got replaced on my dime. That recall, too, I had no idea about.

It sounds like it's about time to get the brake fluid done. And it's time for an oil change. I paid for lifetime rotation and alignment with an oil change at Firestone. So basically I pay $25 for everything when I go in. I wonder if I should get the brake fluid changed there as well, or just go to the new shop to get it all done. I guess I should call to get some estimates.

 

Jmarcin: you can find TSB's and Recalls right here on the far right of the forum tool bar.

I pay about $30 for a basic oil change even though I could get that same thing done for $20 somewhere else. My favorite independent shop treats me so well that I don't mind. They are not perfect, but if I have an issue after they do a job they fix it right away.
Of course I learned to communicate with them. I.e. I tell them: "Tranny service. Remember it requires Mercon V." They put "Mercon V" on the paper and that ensures the mechanic pays attention.
After alignments it happened that the steering wheel was off center, at the next oil change I make them fix it.
I keep a laundry list of little things that bother me and let them look at it. Almost every time they will tighten a rattling heat shield.

Virgin1: I have no idea why I liked it so much back then. I think it was the guitar solo:

 

R.I.P, Alvin Lee.
Underrated guitar player and Bluesman of his day.

 

I saw him 2x. Once in Paris France. The venue is featured in the movie "Ronin", the ice skating ring. It was a full house.