Clutch Problems

[RAZsRunner]

Hey guys Ive been having some clutch issues on my 97. It started acting funny a bit ago. I was having a shudder on take off. If a gave it a fair amount of gas and was really careful on the release then I could manage a smooth take off. Was like that for a bit and then the clutch started sticking to the floor when I would shift. Sometimes I would get decent pressure before it would stick and then other times it would be no pressure at all and then a stick. After I did some reading I figured changing the slave cylinder was a good bet. My father in law and I changed it out and bled the system and everything seemed great for 3 or 4 days. Then all of a sudden I gassed it in a higher gear than I should have been in for the speed I was going. I sort of felt something go in the clutch when I released it. Just felt like something slipped? I stopped a bit later and when I went to go again my clutch was sticking just as bad as it was before. It was like we had never changed a thing. Wish I was more knowledgable but this is my first vehicle to actually try and wrench on myself. Any help would be terrific! Thanks guys!

 

[sggaz]

It is most likely your clutch pedal bushing. There once was a really good thread detailing the replacement of that. I will see if I can find it. I did also make a brief writeup about my experience with it here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/129942-clutch-pedal-clutch-master-cyl.html

 

[sggaz]

Here's the detailed writeup on replacing the clutch pedal bushing. Note that depending on how long the bushing has been gone there could be collateral damage to the metal parts as shown in the thread I made.

Replacement writeup:

4Runners.org - Replacing the Clutch Pedal Bushing

 

[Hesk11dog]

i had a problem with the pedal not returning and getting "stuck in the middle on the way back. The OEM master-cylinder push rod that connects to the clutch pedal had broke. Toyota used a plastic sleeve to hold the rod joint from bending. Mine had broke so when i pushed the pedal in, the rod just bend downwards instead of activating the hydraulic piston.

Check your master cylinder to make sure it is working. It is what activates the slave cylinder on the transmission assembly. Have a buddy run the pedal while you watch the slave move just to get an idea of how it works. The bushing mentioned above is also a good thing to check because 18 years of grabbing gears can do some damage.

 

[ThorInc]

Could also be the pressure plate.

 

[RAZsRunner]

Thanks for all the advice, fellas! Ill be changing the master over the weekend hopefully so I am really hoping that gets me back on my feet. Ill keep yall informed!

 

[specialblend]

Hey any update on if that fixed it? I've been having similar problems. Shutter, just started feeling my clutch slip a little recently (I think), now I went to press my clutch in this morning and heard a noise then felt the pedal being hard to press all the way when it gets closer to the floor.

The rod itself didn't bend or break but the larger part it bolts into that attaches to the pedal and should pivot busted. So when I push the clutch pedal in it arches the rod up, not giving it the straight length it needs to push the clutch in.

I changed the master one year ago but not the slave so I'm wondering if it's worth changing the master and slave or if I should just get it checked at a mechanics to rule out any other clutch issues. Only worried because I felt some clutch slipping as well and I don't want to mess up anything else by not fixing the source of the problem.