Manual Transmission Shudder on Takeoff

[krmccour]

Just bought a 2000 SR5 with 125k miles, very happy with it except for one possible concern. The truck is a 5spd, and when trying to takeoff from a dead stop it shudders violently unless I takeoff at a snails pace with very little gas. When given very little gas and a very slow takeoff, it has no shudder. When I need to takeoff with any kind of speed, it shudders violently to the point that I have to push the clutch back down and end up starting off slow anyway. Any ideas of what this might be? Oh, and I'm happy to finally be a proud 4Runner owner

 

[ticaz]

Hello!

I have a 1999 SR5 and I am experiencing the exact same problem. It also seems to occur more severely when warm.

I have researched this a lot, and it seems the most likely candidate is a pressure plate with hot spots.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...sg=AFQjCNFVSam4kTnSg5K-HKaX6I1dfmejbw&cad=rja

Be very nice if it was something simple... but it doesn't look that way. Hopefully somebody has some experience in this matter.

Cheers, and congrats on the 4runner.

 

[krmccour]

Thanks, love it so far except for this one issue.

Temperature doesn't seem to affect it in my case. It definitely gets worse when I try to give it more power (faster takeoff). The faster I try to take off, the worse it shudders.

In fact, when it begins shuddering I can't even finish the takeoff and I have to depress the clutch again and slow start.

I've found little solid information on it through searching...some people point to u-joints and others point to a transmission problem.

 

[IanB]

I would look at things like engine/tranny mounts (have someone watch the engine as you take off with the hood open to see if it's flopping around in the bay, safety 1st), clutch/pressure plate, or things like u-joints in the driveline (I'd expect these to be an issue for more than just takeoffs though).

 

[ticaz]

I would look at things like engine/tranny mounts (have someone watch the engine as you take off with the hood open to see if it's flopping around in the bay, safety 1st), clutch/pressure plate, or things like u-joints in the driveline (I'd expect these to be an issue for more than just takeoffs though).

Yes, I agree. I have heard of engine/tranny mounts causing this problem too. I wasn't sure how this could be diagnosed until now. Thank you, I will try your method. However, considering how violently it shakes some times, I might wonder if the engine would be shaking no matter what.

As for fast takeoffs, yes, It is worse for me the faster I try to take off as well. I will try and grab a video of it later.

One other thing I have heard that may cause/contribute to the problem is air in the clutch slave cylinder. Bleeding it may help resolve the problem. This is one of the first things I am going to try on mine as well as checking the engine mounts. better to try fixing the cheep stuff first.

 

[Baja Runner]

Is it the engine that is dying/missing or is it the power distribution into the transmission ? Was the car sitting for a while ? Sounds like you need to get the flywheel resurfaced and get a new clutch to me.

 

[krmccour]

I don't feel like it's the engine, whenever I give it gas at any other speeds, or even when I'm not quite stopped, it never shudders. Only from a dead stop, which makes me think it's the transmission. Noticeably worse if I'm doing this on an incline which would require more gas/power to the wheels.

 

[Dous]

Just get a new clutch!


Or install the wheel spacers, that will make everything better

 

[Nitewulf]

Ok, the poster that said hot spots is on the right track. Also your suspects should be a warped or weak pressure plate, broken/bent thrust springs, or a broken/dislodged thrust spring in the clutch disk itself. These are the culprits of a grabbing or lunging clutch.

I believe a full replacement kit with line up shaft is about $250, and has everything in it. I.E. Pressure plate, clutch disk, release bearing, line up splined shaft tool...*mechanic not included....sorry*

 

[kball]

Leaking rear main seal? I think I've had this happen before on a different vehicle but it was so long ago I can't remember if it was the seal or the flywheel was jacked up.

 

[alphyn]

I'm having a very similar problem with the shudder on launch. Thanks for everyone that provided advice above. Just found this thread, and now it's time for me to troubleshoot further.

Unlike those above, I only have the shudder when my 4runner has been sitting. After a few launches, no issues at all. Except for the issue I have trying to get it into first, which I think is a problem with shifter lever ball seat. Here's the thread on that if anyone is interested.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...t-gear-manual-transmission-shifting-glue.html

Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend.

 

[nevada]

I'm having a very similar problem with the shudder on launch. Thanks for everyone that provided advice above. Just found this thread, and now it's time for me to troubleshoot further.

Unlike those above, I only have the shudder when my 4runner has been sitting. After a few launches, no issues at all. Except for the issue I have trying to get it into first, which I think is a problem with shifter lever ball seat. Here's the thread on that if anyone is interested.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...t-gear-manual-transmission-shifting-glue.html

Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend.

that is usually a slight oil leak. the oil slowly builds up when sitting. and can cause that the first time you drive. but when driven daily, the oil doesnt have a chance to build up.

 

[drdolittlerwc]

I bought mine right around the same mileage and had similar symptoms.

I replaced the clutch, pressure plate, etc, and also the flywheel (I bought it before doing the work, just to make sure I had it if needed).

Now it's one of the smoothest MT's I've ever driven.

 

[NHRunner]

I have a 5speed 5vzfe with a very similar problem. My first suspicion is that my flywheel needs to be resurfaced/replaced. I get a bad shutter at takeoff for the first 15 mins of driving. Once warm, I can accelerate much more smoothly. I should explore the possibility of air moving through my clutch fluid.

My clutch needs to be replaced anyways, I have 226k Miles on the original clutch haha.

I vote that your flywheel needs to be resurfaced at your mileage.

 

[alphyn]

that is usually a slight oil leak. the oil slowly builds up when sitting. and can cause that the first time you drive. but when driven daily, the oil doesnt have a chance to build up.

Out of curiosity, what possible areas would oil be leaking in from? Transmission -> Clutch? I haven't ripped apart a transmission in a car ever (I've taken apart many many motorcycles), so trying to visualize how oil might make its way in. Bearings between clutch and transmission? Cracked transmission housing?

Also, replacing out the stock 5-star wheels in my 1999 Highlander for a set of FJ black trail team wheels. Sitting at the tire shop right this very instance getting the work done.

 

[sggaz]

Does anyone have any idea of the cost to have a clutch replaced at a dealer? We have a shudder too. If you feather the clutch engagement and the amount of gas you can control symptoms but cannot completely eliminate the shudder from a stop. If starting from rolling at even the lowest speed the shudder goes away.

Also, are kits from Marlin Crawler superior to what a dealer would use? Thanks.

 

[Shibby!]

I have this issue rarely on mine (262KM). Typically I find it happens more after a wet drive once it's had a chance to cool off. Don't ask me why. Curious to find out though!

The exact thing happened on my 09 Tacoma 6-speed 4.0l. That transmission and clutch was junk though. This one I prefer a lot more for smoothness and feel. I had clutch issues from day one on that and the dealership said there was no problem. Nearly every cold start had a jittery clutch for the first few start/stops. It's pretty common with them. Much worse when wet (raining). I believe the clutch might have been dragging too since the transmission wouldn't shift well without feeling the gears on almost every gear change.

My friend had an 05 without these issues. Dealership wouldn't listen.

 

[BlackCat914]

It's called clutch chatter. It's not unsafe, nor will it leave you stranded. If it bothers you that much, it would need a new clutch.

 

[Kurtis]

^^^^What he said. Clutch chatter. If it only does it when it's cold then it's probably an oil leak. It's either the rear main seal or much more likely, the valve cover gaskets. If you are leaking from the cam plugs it's very easy for it to drip down on to the clutch. Replacing the clutch with out fixing the leak will leave you with the same problem. Go ahead, ask me how I know. Over time it can cause the clutch to wear uneven.

Fix the leak and it will probably go away forever.

 

[OffroadTwin]

Reviving an old thread here- I recently purchased a 1999 4Runner, and it does have the (I think) clutch chatter issue on takeoff. I have learned how to drive to control it, however it is inevitable on uphill starts and sometimes shakes the entire vehicle violently. If I am rolling even 2 mph it is 98% reduced. Sound like a new clutch and resurfaced flywheel is in order?

The other thing that may be related, has some vibrations under acceleration and when speeds are above55, the shifter vibrates left and right and feels like tires out of balance, but thinking this is driveline related, or could this also be the clutch? I'd appreciate any input or solutions for similar issues!!