V6 4x4 Clutch slipping at 3700 miles... anyone else??

First let me say... I absolutely LOVE this truck so far... have had it since May this year. It's a TRD Baja D/C with the TRD Supercharger kit. The first slippage was detected Thanksgiving Day, (colder than usual, below freezing out) in 4th, 5th and 6th gears above 2500 rpm (where engine makes most horsepower) and under load/acceleration... especially up a hill. When cold, clutch also felt mushier than normal. Dropped off for service to figure out the problem... said they had to "tear it down" and I'd be responsible for the cost (nearly $1000) if it's determined to be from misuse. I explained that there'd be no way it's from misuse and that I've been driving only manual transmission vehicles in the 18+ years I've been driving... with clutches lasting me well more than 100k miles. The dealer I've been going to for service has been great so far... just curious to see what they'll find... again, only 3700 miles on this thing! Any others have same issue on newer ones and have any experience with Toyota being helpful or not? I REALLY hope I an not expected to come out of pocket for anything!!

 

did you have the dealer install the super charger? if so everything is under warranty a clutch should not be slipping at 3700 mi.

 

Yes... dealer installed s/c before taking delivery. I hope so... Thanks!

 

If the dealer installed the supercharger, then that certainly works in your favor but it's not a slam dunk since the warranty is paid by Toyota itself and you have modified something that clearly could cause clutch slippage by increasing the horsepower the clutch has to handle.

 

I have to think they'll stand behind the supercharger seeing as it is also their own equipment developed specifically for the Tacoma by Toyota with the factory warranty including coverage for it. If developed for Tacoma, I can't imagine clutch slippage would be expected from that... especially when the strain of a 5-6000 lb trailer would be considerably more taxing on the clutch and it's rated to tow that...

 

I tow a 4000+ trailer with my truck. I have been more than a little concerned with getting a burnt clutch smell even with the smallest amount of feathering. Their has been absolutely no slippage though. The clutch grabs perfectly. Their are guys on here with some pretty impressive mileage on these clutches. While I don't expect mine to last as long as some, so far so good.

I suspect they are going to find some issue. It would take a significant amount of abuse to cause slippage at that low mileage.

My clutch also feels the same in cold / hot weather. No difference at all.

 

It was probably a mistake telling them the clutch was slipping. Telling them it felt mushy when cold let them take a drive with you along and them stomping on it would have been enough for warranty, but when you mention clutch slippage it is almost a 100% back on the driver issue. Unless you can prove that the pressure plate is defective my guess is you will pay the bill.

 

I seriously doubt he is spinning the tires in 4th, 5th and 6th even with a SC unless there is ice or snow.

 

It is a nice thought to have that kind of power.

 

add this to another reason why i bought an auto.

That stated, make the dealer do something about it, regardless if its supercharged or what that clutch should hold up very well.

 

Yeah you're right, if it's Toyota equipment the dealer installed, at 3700 miles they better just fix it, and I think they will. Has to be a manufacturing or part defect unless you have been lending this to someone who can't drive a stick.

 

The oem clutches in these suck ass, upgrade to something heavier and you will be fine. With my 2011 4 cylinder 5 speed, if I was on a really steep hill and I had to take off, I had to put it in 4 lo because it just wouldn't take off in high range in first gear without slipping and burning on the clutch. It did that from new, it was pathetic how weak the clutch was in that thing. Great on small hills and flat ground, but anything else it sucked. I would have upped it to a heavier clutch if I still had it.

 

Throwing this out their because I've seen it happen. With the extra power it could be throwing off the alignment of the engine to the transmission (if a bolt is loose or failing engine / tranny mounts). Or it could be the throw out bearing is riding the pressure plate.

 

Not surprised. Mine on my 2013 started slipping well before 6000 miles, and yes, I am supercharged as well. I'm not convinced the OEM clutches in the 6 speeds are up to the task of the TRD SC---even if nothing else is added for power mods.

I never abused my clutch, and it's the 5th manual transmission vehicle I've owned so it's not like I was "learning" stick on this thing.


Had a URD Stage II clutch installed, and never looked back. Engagement is just a hair more aggressive, but not chattery. Pedal is a little firmer, but you'll forget about it after a week.

Honestly, I would just upgrade the clutch now as you might be in the same exact position again down the line with a warranted OEM clutch.

 

UPDATE: Resolution! First and foremost, the service department at Toyota of Morristown took very good care of me. Thanks Sean!

Turned out that the throwout bearing seal was deformed and allowed grease to spray onto the clutch... grease is inherently slippery, thus the clutch slippage. Replaced the whole clutch assembly with all new parts with the exception of the flywheel. All feels good as new and clutch feels better than when I got it 5 months ago.

Thanks for all the replies!

 

Glad to hear you found the problem and it wasn't something major.

 

I replaced my clutch on my 2000 Celica after boosting it, at only 8 psi the original toyota cluth was done after 1000mls, I put in a 4 puck ACT which was a very good left leg workhout glad those days are over

 

UPDATE: FIrst cold day, one year and 5000 miles later, 6th gear slippage at 75mph acceleration. I am thinking the pressure plate may not be strong enough for the S/C. First time out the seal may have been the culprit, but this time... especially with it happening only on the first cold day, I am thinking stage 2 is the way to go with URD. I don't want anything much grabbier nor do I want much heavier of a pedal... anyone have others to recommend or can confirm the URD stage 2 is the way to go? Also, you S/C manual owners out there... trac bar worth the investment?? Thanks!