[Dudink]

Howdy folks,

I know this subject has been touched on before, but I am interested in gathering some advice from folks who have experienced the same issue.


First, my symptoms:
I have the throwout bearing squeak / chirp that occurs with my clutch fully disengaged, noticed mostly at low RPMs (probably due to the fact I have a stage II exhaust overshadowing the noise) and many times the noise does not happen in neutral.

The noise goes away when the clutch has very slight pressure, maybe 1/2" depression.

The first time this happened was about three years ago, maybe 8,000 miles ago. I lubed the clutch fork pivot ball and the sound went away.

Recently, even though I have not been driving the car much at all lately, the sound has returned, although now it is not there all the time and takes about 30 minutes of driving to show up. Starts earlier with warmer weather.

I tried lubing the fork, this time to no avail.

There are no other abnormalities whatsoever.

So my questions for you fine folks:

1. How many have / have had this issue?
2. How long has the noise been going on?
3. What were your miles when it started - how many miles have you put on since it started?
4. Have you done anything about it?
5. How much should I expect to pay for removal and replacement of transmission by others to replace the bearing?

Basically, my dilemma is I only have 28,000 miles on the car and I don't want to replace/upgrade the clutch yet so I really don't want to have to do this repair, BUT don't want to take any risks leaving this bearing in place.

Thanks in advance for any info you all provide.

-Will

 

[chris2869]

?

I purchased my car at 37k miles and it was a problem when I bought it. I replaced my bearing and entire clutch assembly with Toyota OEM and it has ran like a sewing machine ever since.

 

[chris2869]

I payed $450 for labor and $450 for entire clutch assembly And flywheel.

 

[ErictheBastard]

I think I replaced mine at around 80k miles. The noise had become unbearable at that point. I've run 30K miles on a Toyota OEM clutch and throwout bearing ever since.
The Toyota clutch had lighter pedal action and smoother take up than the original (which is also Toyota - perhaps TRD - for all I know).

The original clutch showed little to no wear at 80K miles though. All that work and expense for a stupid throwout bearing.

 

[sturgeongeneral]

Are you sure it's the clutch and not the serpentine belt squeaking?

 

[Dudink]

Are you sure it's the clutch and not the serpentine belt squeaking?

Yes definitely not the belt.


How long did you folks wait to replace the bearing/clutch once the noise started?

It looks like an OEM Lotus Clutch is only about $300 for the part, why are you all using the Toyota version?

 

[fzust]

If you are going to replace the clutch at all, I recommend the ACT HD-SS. It is really the clutch the car should have come with. Stock pedal feel with a bit more grip. Engagement is smooth and silky but not as spongy as stock or prone to slip under aggressive driving as the stocker. Kit comes with throwout bearing and clutch alignment tool. Zero problems with these in many, many customer cars. http://www.blackwatchracing.com/product-p/1118.htm

 

[SyTyArchives]

Mine made the noise for 40k highway miles before the throwout blew up. But it did die in a manner that could cause damage to the transmission so keep that in mind.

 

[Dudink]

Mine made the noise for 40k highway miles before the throwout blew up. But it did die in a manner that could cause damage to the transmission so keep that in mind.

Right. Lately I have been putting less than 3k miles on the car annually. I presume there will be telltale signs that I need to get serious about replacement, correct?

 

[sturgeongeneral]

I would say to change it over the winter. Why take a chance on damaging your tranny when you can avoid it? My clutch was changed at about 3000 miles. Not that it needed it, just upgraded when the supercharger was installed.

 

[Zen Dude]

So my questions for you fine folks:

1. How many have / have had this issue?
2. How long has the noise been going on?
3. What were your miles when it started - how many miles have you put on since it started?
4. Have you done anything about it?
5. How much should I expect to pay for removal and replacement of transmission by others to replace the bearing?

-Will

1) I have this issue.
2) Since August 2011.
3) I think it started when I had about 70,000 miles ...and I'm about ready to click over 100,000 miles.
4) I haven't done anything about it.
5) :shrug:

- z

 

[gooberschnot]

Question...does this happen more to ppl who keep their foot pressed on the clutch during a red light? I think I recall Edd China saying something like this. For those who have the bearing problem, do you have the habit of keeping the foot pressed on the clutch at a stop? Not to single anyone out, but just wondering if this is a common problem of the car or not.


http://www.cartalk.com/content/keeping-your-clutch-pressed-such-bad-idea-find-out

 

[komiko]

had this on my '92 Miata. Was the Pilot bearing...

 

[<@¿@>]

If you are replacing the clutch, it is worth replacing the flywheel at this point also. The Lotus Sport light weight flywheel is the TRD P/N 13405-TF200 and
Lotus Sport also installs an Exedy clutch sold by TRD. The Exedy P/N is AE100. There is also a G10A on the clutch pressure plate.

 

[Dudink]

Question...does this happen more to ppl who keep their foot pressed on the clutch during a red light? I think I recall Edd China saying something like this. For those who have the bearing problem, do you have the habit of keeping the foot pressed on the clutch at a stop? Not to single anyone out, but just wondering if this is a common problem of the car or not.


Is keeping your clutch pressed in such a bad idea? Find out. | Car Talk

No, never. And I am very easy on my clutches, rev matching every downshift etc.

 

[Dudink]

If you are replacing the clutch, it is worth replacing the flywheel at this point also. The Lotus Sport light weight flywheel is the TRD P/N 13405-TF200 and
Lotus Sport also installs an Exedy clutch sold by TRD. The Exedy P/N is AE100. There is also a G10A on the clutch pressure plate.

I was thinking the same, just not quite ready for this yet (just bought another car 4 days ago) - hence the survey.

Thinking when the time comes, flywheel, and upgraded clutch as one previously suggested - I just need to know when this truly needs to be done. Seems like this is happening to my car many miles before most others.

 

[Dudink]

1) I have this issue.
2) Since August 2011.
3) I think it started when I had about 70,000 miles ...and I'm about ready to click over 100,000 miles.
4) I haven't done anything about it.
5) :shrug:

- z

Perfect, thanks for the info. I am thinking there are going to be signs that things are getting bad, right now it is hardly noticeable most of the time, even then it is only the noise.

 

[<@¿@>]

I was thinking the same, just not quite ready for this yet (just bought another car 4 days ago) - hence the survey.

Thinking when the time comes, flywheel, and upgraded clutch as one previously suggested - I just need to know when this truly needs to be done. Seems like this is happening to my car many miles before most others.

You will probably get sick of the noise before the throwout bearing actually fails...it does get very loud.