How many miles are on your car?? Mine is a 2000 'Lude which had about 53K when I got the timing belt replaced. It's definitely what was making that gRRRRRR noise. On the 2000 'Lude they call for the timing belt replacement at 105 K miles. I don't know what the recommendation was for a '97 'Lude.

The best way I can tell you to be sure that they notice the noise is to have them try to let out the clutch when the car is starting out on a slight incline. This puts a little more strin on the driveline and the noise is ALOT more noticeable. You can hear it as you are slipping the clutch to go up the incline. Hope this helps!