Anyone's replaced their clutch?

dboy4ever · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2003, 04:47 PM

At 36K the clutch is starting to show signs of slipping. I wonder if anyone else got a slipping clutch so early? And if you replaced your clutch, where did you buy the new clutch from? Thanks.

Stickman · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2003, 12:17 PM

36K....slipping clutch ??? I certainly hope to get close to 100K outta the original. I replaced my 87 Pathfinder at 90K and it still had some meat on it. However, I have had a creaky clutch from the git-go that Toyota never "fixed". Now I'm outta warranty at 45K miles and it's my prob now if it barfs.... but it has never slipped. It still grabs nice and no prob getting in and outta gear.... you towing heavy stuff or loading it up regularly ??? Shouldn't be needing a clutch at 36K...Ouch !!!

dboy4ever · #3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2003, 06:13 PM

I think a number of factors are responsible. Towing, hauling, locker and my driving style. At this stage the clutch only slips when it goes over 4k rpm in 4th gear when I get on the freeway. I think I will order a new centerforce dual fiction clutch if things get worse.

Stickman · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2003, 10:46 PM

dboy... If your clutch is failing, won't that be covered under the 3 year / 36K warranty ??? You may be a few miles beyond, but Toyota should honor the warranty... you shouldn't have a failing clutch already... (unless you've had more than 3 years :-(

dboy4ever · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2003, 12:51 AM

Warranty? I never thought of that. I assumed the clutch is not covered under warranty because it's supposed to wear, like oil. But thanks for the pointer, I will definitely pay the dealer a visit. Fortunately I'm neither over 36K or 3 years.

dboy4ever · #6 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 04:28 AM

Well it turns out the clutch is not covered by warranty because it's "normal" wear. I will probably buy a TRD or Centerforce clutch. (see separate thread). Thanks for the help, Stickman.

Stickman · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 12:42 PM

dboy.... hey, it was worth a shot. I did look in my warranty info before replying to you. Did not see any exclusions on clutch. In fact, the powertrain section made mention of a 60K warranty on certain items. I still feel a clutch shouldn't barf after 36K miles...Toyota set the towing weights and limitations...the clutch should be able to handle it thru at least the warranty period... are you gonna tackle the clutch install yourself ??

dboy4ever · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 10:21 PM

Yes it was definitely worth the shot. The guy at the dealer volunteered to replace my rotors and drums with the TSB even though I never bothered asking about it.

Now I do intend to try install the new clutch myself. The local shops charge from $350 to $450 for labor. With that money I could buy a lot of other stuff. All I need as for special tools is a transmission and a bearing puller, I think.

My other option is do this in a DIY garage. http://www.uwrenchgarage.com They have all the tools I will need and they charge $15 an hour for using their garage. I will probably go with this option if I can't find a place to loan a transmission jack.

What do you think? Do you think I should attempt this at all? Any pitfalls I should watch fall? Any opinion is appreciated.

Stickman · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 07:43 PM

dboy... I have not replaced the clutch on a Tun. Nor do I look forward to handling the install myself. I have the 4x4 and between the transfer case and transmission setup I can see from the outside, it doesn't look like a weekend warrior job. I would probably opt to take it to Toyota and bend over...I bet that will cost a few sheckles to replace. Good luck on replacing if you do yourself. Be sure to take plenty of pics during the process to show your friends ;-)

dboy4ever · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 05:06 PM

The date is set on Saturday. I have a buddy coming over to the DIY garage to help out. I'd really love to get pictures along the way to help out other members, but I think this job is one that I would wanna finish as fast as I can.

BTW, the clutch kit that I bought from ebay came today. The whole kit was $153 with the disc, pressure plate, TO bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool. I compared the TO bearing from the kit with one that I bought from my local Toyota dealer for $85 and realized they're exactly the same part manufactured by NSK. That made me wonder how mcuh this whole kit would cost at the dealer.

thecarguy · #11 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 11:56 PM

For me clutch jobs are a cake walk. I can do a toyota 4x4 clutch change in 5 hours including clean up. Ive done it several times tho. For a first timer I think it should take you 14 or 15 hours. The mitchell labor manual says that a clutch is a 10 hour job, ASE specs. The only hard thing is the shifters if you have a manual tranny and 4x4, because they can be tricky sometimes. And stabbing it back in place can be tricky too.

If your using the stock flywheel I suguest you get it re-ground. If you are having slippage the surface of the flywheel will be glazed over, almost like a mirror, very similar to rotors that have been glazed over. I also suguest you change the rear main seal while you have the tranny out. It may not be bad, it should not go bad for a long time but its cheap insurence. I also cant see how a clutch can go bad that soon. I dont mean to be rude but do you ride the clutch? Do you do lots of burnouts? Do you go off roading? Do you drive through mud and water a lot? Those could be reasons why.

stickman...your "creaky" clutch could be the return spring. I know of several tacomas that have had creeky and squeaky noises due to the spring. The return spring not only brings the clutch back after you depress it but also serves as a safegaurd for those that rest their foot on the clutch. You can get by with the spring out as the hydroulic pressure will automaticaly bring the clutch back up (all pre 93 toyotas I have worked on are that way, no spring), however I make no garuntees that it will work on the tundra. You could try to modify the spring somehow.