[jderou2]

Here's a question for the group....my 2000 has developed what I can describe best as a "chirping" noise. This noise is most prominent on startup (the truck is cold so that doesn't help) and goes away when the clutch is depressed ever so slightly. I wouldn't even say it's engaged at all, it's basically just the weight of my foot leaning against the clutch pedal. I've figured it was the throw-out bearing but it seems that the general concensus is that it should chirp when the clutch is depressed, not the opposite. The truck has only 48k on it, no hard driving, and the clutch is still pretty stiff (not soft at all.)

So here's the questions....is it the throw-out bearing? if so...how hard is that to replace? and where/what the hell is it?


Thanks to all.

 

[surfishjoe]

I had the same "symptoms" and yes it was the throwout bearing. Fortunatly my truck was still under warranty at the time so the dealer fixed it.

 

[Bear]

Here's a question for the group....my 2000 has developed what I can describe best as a "chirping" noise. This noise is most prominent on startup (the truck is cold so that doesn't help) and goes away when the clutch is depressed ever so slightly. I wouldn't even say it's engaged at all, it's basically just the weight of my foot leaning against the clutch pedal. I've figured it was the throw-out bearing but it seems that the general concensus is that it should chirp when the clutch is depressed, not the opposite. The truck has only 48k on it, no hard driving, and the clutch is still pretty stiff (not soft at all.)

So here's the questions....is it the throw-out bearing? if so...how hard is that to replace? and where/what the hell is it?


Thanks to all.

Yes! it is the throw out bearing. I have learned from having throw outs go on both my taco and a mustang that it does not matter if that chirping noise is while the clutch is depressed or if it happens without pressure on the clutch. The fact of the noise means the throw out is in need of attention.

The throw out bearing is in the center of the clutch plate for lack of better words. The only way to replace it is to tear the tranny out of the truck as if you were doing a complete clutch job.

Since you to have brake the tranny away from the engine, you should also go ahead and replace the clutch and possibly resurface the fly wheel at the same time.

If you truck is still under warranty take it in. But what ever you do, don't wait too long to address the issue. I waited too long with my Taco and we had a heck of a time getting the tranny out of the truck. The Throw out bearing actually seized on the output shaft preventing the tranny from sliding back. We had to winch my transmission out of the truck using a highlift anchored to another truck. My truck was actually sliding out of the garage before the tranny "popped" loose. and that was with someone standing on the brake. I was under the truck, "catching" the tranny as it let loose.

 

[AMcK]

I've got the same problem. Unfortunately I passed the 35k mark just prior to the throw-out bearing deciding to start making noise. How long did you continue to drive on it before you had any serious problems?

 

[jderou2]

Thanks Bear. Not the news I was hoping for but it's what I expected. I'm hoping that I'm still under warranty (5 years - 50k (driveline,transmission, etc.) miles or something like that. I can't exactly remember what my warranty was/is..since I've never had one single issue with this truck. I don't think Toyota has changed their warranties since I bought it, so I should be getting in just under the wire)...now I just have to convince the dealer to handle it.

Sounds like this is a common problem with Tacomas. Seems like under 50k miles is kind of low for something like this?

Oh yea....hate that "newbie" title. I posted on the old board something like 600 times but when I logged in it didn't recognize my name...oh well. Newbie for now.

 

[surfishjoe]

You may be in luck i believe the throwout is covered under the powertrain warranty and it is 5 years 60,000 miles also the labor should be covered for duing the clutch and flywheel as well you just have to pay for the parts (that is what i did). Good Luck

 

[jderou2]

So you had yours replaced under the 5yr/60K drivetrain warranty? I just went to my local dealer and they started with the usual...(I don't know if that's covered...crap.") Would you mind sending me whatever info you have on how yours was serviced under the warranty? A copy of the service ticket would be great! It's alot to ask....I appreciate any help you can give me.

Also, if anybody else has had this replaced under the powertrain warranty, let me know. The more info I have going in against these f_cksticks, the better off I'll be.

 

[AK98Taco]

The throwout bearing (clutch release bearing) rides on the clutch release fork and travels along the transmission input shaft when the pedal is depressed.

The bearing is lubricated from the factory, and isn't supposed to require maintenance, but it can and will gather dust from the clutch disc's friction material.

What you can do, to temporarily clear the dust, is remove the rear main cover from the front bottom of the bell housing and spray some brake cleaner onto the throwout bearing. You can also pull the boot from the clutch release fork and spray some brake cleaner directly onto it and the throwout bearing. That will clear the dust and probably stop the chirping.

If you CAN get it replaced under warranty, definitely do so.

 

[jderou2]

What you can do, to temporarily clear the dust, is remove the rear main cover from the front bottom of the bell housing and spray some brake cleaner onto the throwout bearing. You can also pull the boot from the clutch release fork and spray some brake cleaner directly onto it and the throwout bearing. That will clear the dust and probably stop the chirping.

Thanks Thomas. Sounds like a good way to start out. Now...you wouldn't have any images of these parts would you? I have the Haynes manual, just not with me at the moment. If you have something that can refer me to exactly where this "rear main cover from the front bottom of the bell housing" is at...that would be great.

I'll check my manual, it probably has something to help me out. Thanks for your help again. I'm always impressed by the people on this board and the information available.

 

[surfishjoe]

I beleive i still have my paper work for the warranty repair, will it help - I don't know. I am at work till 4 and can fax it to you. Send me a fax # and i will check back.

 

[jderou2]

Surfishjoe,
I emailed you at your AOL account. Send the fax when you get a chance. It sure can't hurt to have something to back me up.

Thanks again.

 

[ShowStop]

The throwout bearing (clutch release bearing) rides on the clutch release fork and travels along the transmission input shaft when the pedal is depressed.

The bearing is lubricated from the factory, and isn't supposed to require maintenance, but it can and will gather dust from the clutch disc's friction material.

What you can do, to temporarily clear the dust, is remove the rear main cover from the front bottom of the bell housing and spray some brake cleaner onto the throwout bearing. You can also pull the boot from the clutch release fork and spray some brake cleaner directly onto it and the throwout bearing. That will clear the dust and probably stop the chirping.

If you CAN get it replaced under warranty, definitely do so.

Personally, I would not spray brake cleaner onto the throwout bearing. When the bearing starts chirping, this is usually due to a lack of grease in the bearing. Even though it is a sealed bearing, the bearing heats up, grease is expelled out, leaving the bearing with less then the proper amount of grease. Dust and dirt also get in and compound the problem. Spraying the throwout bearing with brake cleaner will only wash out the dust/dirt and remaining grease, leaving the bearing to die an even earlier death.

I sometimes recommend to use white lithium grease on the throwout bearing, but it is extremely tough to apply it effectively and not get any on the clutch disc, which would be way worse then the problem at hand. Best just to leave it be and replace it ASAP. I recommend you use the factory throwout bearing and not an aftermarket replacement, as I have seen those die quickly. The factory bearing seems to last pretty long.

 

[AK98Taco]

You will have to remove the skidplates to get access to the rear main cover.
It is held onto the bellhousing with 4 bolts.
The boot for the clutch release fork is on the drivers side of the bellhousing. It may be difficult to reach.

 

[AK98Taco]

I see what you mean. However, the bearing is designed to retain its grease, so it must therefore be sealed, correct?

If it is sealed, then I don't think a quick blast of brake cleaner will brake down the grease. It may work away at any remnants of grease on the transmission input shaft, but that's all I can see happening.

I would still recommend replacing the bearing if there are clutch problems or it is making continuous noise. I used a Toyota pilot and throwout bearing when I did my clutch. The throwout makes occasional noise, 10,000 miles later. I haven't messed with it because the inside of the bellhousing is almost as clean as I left it.

 

[TheIglu]

This is an old thread to bring up, but I have a question:

My throwout is now getting louder. Has anyone had it done by a dealer or Aamco? If so, how much did the whole job run you? I was going to have the clutch done while the tranny was out. I wish I could also have my 3rd gear synchro replaced, but that would be a BIG $$$$ job....

I don't have a garage or I would do the clutch myself.

 

[TheIglu]

Just got a quote for $900-$1100 from Aamco using their parts (he said they refuse to use aftermarket or other parts).

I guess there goes that idea.....

 

[[email protected]]

Do it yourself, not that hard of a job, just air tools make it easier.

http://members.cox.net/drvic723/Clutch replacement.htm

Replace the pilot bearing too, those have been known to get squeaky too.

 

[pportera]

The only way the dealer will replace it under warrenty is if it had some sort of defect.

Even if it is under warrenty, they will not do it. Clutch/clutch parts wear diffrently on all trucks. The life u get out of them is directly up to how u drive it.

If u plain on doing it yourself u should go ahead and check the clutch,fly-wheel, etc. etc and replace anything that needs it.

Droping the tranny on a 4x4 v6 is pretty rough. And u dont want to have to go back in there anytime soon.

Also i wouldent take it to Aamco. They arent toyota mechanics and they arent going to use genuine toyota parts. Prob Autozone parts :doh: or cheaper,(god help that)

Either do it youself or take it to the dealer. Youll need a good floor jack also. Unless u want to lie under there and bench press it.

 

[TGilder]

Here's a question for the group....my 2000 has developed what I can describe best as a "chirping" noise. This noise is most prominent on startup (the truck is cold so that doesn't help) and goes away when the clutch is depressed ever so slightly. I wouldn't even say it's engaged at all, it's basically just the weight of my foot leaning against the clutch pedal. I've figured it was the throw-out bearing but it seems that the general concensus is that it should chirp when the clutch is depressed, not the opposite. The truck has only 48k on it, no hard driving, and the clutch is still pretty stiff (not soft at all.)

So here's the questions....is it the throw-out bearing? if so...how hard is that to replace? and where/what the hell is it?


Thanks to all.

Mine does this from time to time, but I don't think it's my throwout bearing just yet, but rather the clutch fork hub contact points needing some grease. What I've been doing is pull off the clutch boot and carefully spray lithium grease on them.