Bad Clutch Bearing? with YT link

Happy Easter everyone!

My 2013 taco with 120k mlies has this really bad noise when idling with the clutch pedal out. I'm guessing its a bearing which is worn out, but I would like a second opinion. Here is a yt link of what I'm referring too https://youtu.be/gmP9OcFxZnQ

 

My 2011 has done that since new. More so in cold weather, still works just fine.

 

The famous throwout bearing?

 

My experience is with the 4.0 V6 - not sure if yours is 2.7

while my TOB squeak did not sound like yours, it's safe to assume clutch components wear out around by 100k miles. At least the TOB.
Clutches usually only last longer in other vehicles when they're babied street cars, driven properly, and designed properly

whereas the Tacoma clutch was designed by an "engineer" who huffs Axe body spray

1. it may be possible to lubricate (carefully) the TOB to extend it's life; nobody does.
2. the system has a poor design. For one, the clutch lever arm activates the TOB at an angle causing uneven stress, and likely endures constant preload causing premature failure.
That and, it is a spinning bearing. With grease inside (or was, when it was new). We all know what happens to bearings with age.

If my wheel bearings wore out by now (big, and not exposed to heat)
and my serpentine belt pulleys wore out already (also are bearings, that don't suffer the stress of having to actuate a clutch)
then it's a good guess to think a TOB is worn out by now.

However, many people claim that TOB issues are usually, unless super loud and severe, just an audible annoyance that otherwise, continues to function
If that is true, it at least gives you time to research a good solution and build the parts kit together

For example, the Tilton kit. Which Tilton does not want to make because 100 people haven't gathered to create a buyer group.
There's a DIY thread on here on how to assemble/make the kit.

 

Same with my 08 w/130k. But my 07 FJ w/110k does not. They are the same drivetrain.

 

My first gen didn't either but apples and oranges. Bottom line I don't care it works and has for the last 120K. Toyota is not alone in this either several different Asian vehicles have the same complaint. Drive more worry less.

 

https://urdusa.com/throwout-bearing-upgraderepair-kit-2005-tacoma-v6-6-speed/

 

A $250 harmless noise + labor, think I'll just wait until it needs a clutch and install a US made bearing.

 

I just ordered the last of the parts needed to do this Tilton bearing swap. A little pricy but at least it wont sound like a hoopty coming down the road anymore. Mine started 50 miles into a new bearing. There is some pretty good info in this thread, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...utch-system-shenanigans.698464/#post-24723722 It all just comes down to how much you want to spend and how much it annoys you.

 

One had 215K when I bought it used, it need a clutch the other needed a clutch at 360k the 2011 has 160k every single one towed things the 2011 tows a 18 foot camper. I'm old enough to remember release bearings in trucks having grease fittings you actually get to! They wore out faster than the new ones! A Tacoma I suppose you could grease/lube it after you remove the transmission. The arm by the way allows the bearing to follow the ark, it does pivot.

 

Probably because 1st gen was the last of Toyota trucks to have a normal clutch design like every other vehicle

2nd gen is when they introduced the PeePeePooPoo design that they are still putting in 3rd gens

All I know is a while back I read a post on here from a guy with manual 2nd gen
claiming there is a way to periodically lube the TOB with needle attachment on a grease gun, but that he refused to describe to the public how to actually do it, out of concerns for "liability" due to people "doing it wrong and spraying lube all over the clutch disc" or something like that (not something I agree with)

There is a metal inspection port cover held on with 3 bolts that when removed, lets you look at the bearing. In my case I removed it once to spray the clutch clean with hose water when cold, before driving to burn off water; had some dirt get in there off road.

yes, vehicles back in the day tended to be more serviceable and "make it last" rather than one-and-done go through it by 100k and throw away the whole part or vehicle, to promote more visits to the dealer and buying of cars

for example, Mercedes wheel bearings; you don't replace them. They loosen up after 100k; maintenance is to take it apart real quick, clean and re-grease, re-assemble to proper tightness and hit the road

 

Picture of this plate. A clutch disk and cover has not changed the only difference I know of is no pilot baring in the crank shaft on the 4L. It is a simple device and conforms to the kiss priceable. The serviceable was necessary with old stuff other wise it would fail the technology just was not there.

 

The release bearing design in the Tacoma isn't very unusual and is basically the same as most other Toyotas since the mid-late 80's. The fork design wasn't as common, but it was used in several applications previously as well (e.g., Land Cruiser UZJ100). Toyota hasn't used a design that didn't run the release bearing constantly since the mid-70's.

There are three concerns that exist with the Tacoma RA60 setup though and affect things to varying degrees.

1. The bearing slides on an integral aluminum tube that is not easily replaced. While not necessarily a huge issue if it's lubricated properly, often after clutch replacement it is not lubricated properly.
2. Toyota used two clutch/pressure plate suppliers for the 1GR, LuK and Aisin, and they do not have the same mounting height. Toyota used the LuK-appropriate release bearing in both trucks, even after completely switching to using the Aisin pressure plate in mid-2008. They didn't start using the correct, Aisin-appropriate bearing until 2010.
3. Toyota switched to a stiffer spring in the slave cylinder at the same time to help ensure correct pressure of the bearing against the pressure plate.

Item 2 is the one that causes the biggest concern when servicing Tacomas. Toyota no longer sells LuK clutch components for the Tacoma, all parts are now Aisin, but you can still technically get both release bearings from Toyota - though they will typically provide you the Aisin bearing unless you specifically know what to order. If you purchase an aftermarket clutch kit and/or pressure plate, it can be difficult to know which release bearing you should be using to ensure it has proper contact pressure.

31230-60231 - Release bearing for LuK pressure plate
31230-60241 - Release bearing for Aisin pressure plate

The FJ Cruiser always had the Aisin pressure plate and the correct release bearing. I suspect FJ owners with any squealing noises have likely had their clutch replaced with an aftermarket pressure plate and/or release bearing at some point.

Jeff

 

Yep. Having not done one in years I would say there is still a grove in the release bearing sleeve that can be filed with grease that few people know what it's for.

 

It's hard to hear the exact noise since audio quality (regardless of the equipment) is often distorted some than if I was there in person...but I will say my truck has made what I would describe as a throwback bearing noise since it was new.

My trucks is over 220k miles and it still works just fine.

 

Ahh the old 6MT been there it’s the TOB, I did my clutch, pressure plate, bearing,fork and flywheel. A year later it’s coming back. Mine was not as loud as yours.

 

It really won't hurt a damn thing drive it until you need a clutch next time buy an automatic it doesn't have one.