Manual Transmission Whine & Clutch Question (R150F)

[dtc81]

I have a 99 4runner with a R150F. In neutral there is a constant "whirring" noise that turns into a higher pitched whine as RPMs increase. The noise goes away as the clutch pedal is depressed. The whine is RPM dependent throughout each one of the five gears, increasing in pitch as RPMs increase. Once the clutch pedal is depressed to change gears, it makes a sharp whine sound then is silent until the pedal is released and shifted into another gear.

The 4runner has 142k miles on it, and I've been noticing it isn't going into all of the gears as smoothly as it used to. I'm going to purchase the HD Marlin clutch package because I think (*hope) the clutch isn't fully disengaging which is causing the tough shifts, and it's good maintenance. It's daily driven with 285 tires, and wheeled semi-often. If anyone could share some insight on what they think the whine and rough shifts could be from, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[MyHigh]

If I remember correctly it could be the throw out bearing. But either way it sounds like you've already decided to do a clutch job. Just remember to install all new bearings as well they are cheap. as far as the beatings go I stick with OEM

 

[Red October]

This is a pretty good description of how to generally diagnose Clutch/ Input bearing noises, hope it helps...

Also I run the Marlin HD Clutch, and I can only say good things.

 

[wslytoy]

That definitely sounds like a TO bearing. If you're at 142K & you've never had the clutch changed, it's probably time. I've seen them last a little longer, but from what you're describing, I'd order a clutch kit.

 

[rolling7high]

I had those same symptoms from milage 145,000 to 155,000 or so. I thought it was a TO bearing. (I am not a mechanic) Actually, I am pretty sure the TO bear makes noise when the clutch is pressed in. Anyways, I bought the Marlin HD clutch and took out the transmission. I felt the input shaft bearing was a little loose. Having the transmission out and not wanted to do it twice, I took the transmission to be rebuilt. The transmission rebuilder reported it was a bear under/near the input shaft bearing that was in bad shape. I now have rebuilt transmission, clutch and I put in new slave cylinder and clutch master cylinder. Doing the remove and installation myself, I though the whole price was reasonable.

The sloppy shifting could be from the "shifter seat." I think that is what its called. Order a new one from Marlin when you order the clutch. If you have a J-shift transfer case, don't forget to order a shifter seat for that, too. You will see, when you remove the transmission shifter, the shifter seat almost disintegrates.

 

[kingin]

If you do order a new clutch kit I wouldn't recommend the OEM aisin kit the clutch disc has plastic retainers on the springs. Next time I replace a clutch on a 4runner either marlins kit or exedy, I'm not gonna pay extra for OEM Aisin kit.

 

[scrap metal]

sounds like a throw out bearing assuming your transmission has the proper amount of good fluid

 

[dtc81]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm going to do a little further diagnosing following Red October's guide, but installing a new clutch seems like a good idea regardless at this point.

The Marlin Crawler HD looks like a solid upgrade, and I've only read good things about it.

 

[socalkid]

*BUMP*

still getting used to all the squeaks, whines, and rattles of my new to me rig, but i think im experiencing something similar and could use input from everyone (granted i know it's hard to diagnose a noise/symptom you can't see or hear).

i've got a higher pitched whine on my Runner that is most noticeable when started cold and sitting at idle. sitting at idle in neutral, when i disengage the clutch and press the pedal down, the whine goes away. when i release the pedal and the clutch engages the whine/noise comes back. i just noticed this noise/whine yesterday (had the truck about 4-5 days), and also the whine/noise seems to get quieter when the truck warms up and the coolant temp levels off.

when driving, the whine/noise rises with RPMs and when i disengage the clutch and shift gears, the whine will still be present a second or two after i have the pedal pressed all the way down while shifting, then go away as usual with the pedal pressed, and then it will return when i finish shifting and lift off the pedal and get back on the gas. when i sit in neutral, the whine immediately goes away when i press the pedal, ie, there is no "hanging" of the whine so to speak.

according to the 2nd owner (owned the car 1 year and basically let it sit) the OG owner who had the car the prior 18 years replaced the clutch, just don't know when (truck just crossed the 78k mile mark yesterday). i will say the clutch feel is great and i dont feel any slipping when driving, and shifts are easy and smooth.

still sound like a throw out bearing or maybe something else?

also, just to point out the obvious but since my rig is a 3RZ we're not talking about a R150 but instead a W59 tranny...

 

[Jhughie]

Did the op ever get rid of that whining noise? I have the same exact whine and I can’t figure out exactly what it is. I’m really not trying to replace things that don’t really NEED to be replaced right now.

 

[hiker2]

My 1997 5 speed had this noise. After driving with the noise for 4 years, had a shop diagnose as bad throw out bearing and had clutch replaced.