Intro and Clutch Question

Tennessee · Aug 5, 2009

I have been reading the forum for months now and found it very helpful when searching for my 4Runner, a '97 SR5 4wd 5 speed. You guys (and gals) really helped me know what to look for (and look out for).

Now for my question...
The previous owner had the clutch replaced by Toyota 12/08 due to a leaking rear main seal. Now I have a constant noise (crickets) whenever the clutch pedal is not pushed. Pushing it in 1/4" makes the noise stop.

My first thought was that the slave cyllinder pin was vibrating in the clutch fork pocket so I attempted to "preload it" by readjusting the upper stop on the clutch pedal (cruise control cancel switch) - same as having the pedal pushed in 1/4" all the time.

This worked for a day or so but the noise came back. I readjusted the pedal height again and it keeps coming back. I'm going to put the pedal back to the specified height and may try adjusting the rod length from the clutch pedal to master cyllinder (free play) but I suspect the noise will go away for a day and then come back.

Is my throwout bearing going bad? Any other suggestions?

Thanks all.

techno · Aug 5, 2009

I had a similar issue on another vehicle and it was the throwout bearing.

drmorbius · Aug 5, 2009

techno said:
I had a similar issue on another vehicle and it was the throwout bearing.

:iagree: I would try the free play adjustment.

Tennessee · Aug 5, 2009

I sprayed some white lube on the cluth fork pivot point in the bell housing and the noise quit! I hope it does not return.

IntoTheVoid · Aug 6, 2009

I have a 1998 4Runner with a 5 speed and I have the cricket sound in my clutch also. When the clutch pedal is pushed, the cricket sound goes away.

I bought my 4Runner used with 129k miles and had my mechanic do an inspection before I bought it. He said it has the original factory clutch and should be replaced in the near future because of the sound that the throwout bearing is making. That was 10000 miles ago and the sound is still there but has not got any louder.

I just replaced my clutch on my 1990 Toyota pickup right before vacation last month and it to was making that sound. It only had 150k on the clutch...:satan:
Throwout bearing was in OK shape in the pickup but the Pilot bearing was dust.

Vacation pictures.
Abert Rim and Abert Lake. (The Void)

Abert Rim:
30-mile long fault rises over 2,500 feet above above the valley floor. It is largest, longest exposed fault escarpments in North America. With an 800 foot lava cap that ends in a sheer precipice. The scarp is practically a perfect fault, and one of the highest fault scarps in the world.
Abert Lake:
One of the largest lakes in Oregon, with no outlet, water can only leave by evaporation. One of the last unspoiled in-land Seas in the world. As a result, sodium carbonates and other salts become concentrated in the lake's waters. Note image of white rock showing effects of alkalinity. The shore line image above of white is a field of such rocks. Lake Abert normally covers 60 square miles however the lake varies in size from year to year depending upon precipitation. It went almost completely dry 140 years ago. Elevation is 6,250 feet.