Squeaky Clutch 6MT - Driving me crazy - what’s the solution?

I have a 2021 Tacoma TRD OffRoad Manual Transmission. I have a great time with this truck so far - 13k miles so pretty new. Just got the OTT tune - very fun.

One thing spoils my joy in this vehicle and that is because my clutch pedal makes a squeaky groaning noise when I change gears. I took it to the dealership to ask them put some kind of grease or oil on it. They said “that’s how they are” and wouldn’t help me. I found that a surprising response since I’ve driven lots of manual transmission cars, and think it’s unusual that they make kind of a squeaky grown when you shift. I’m not looking to “hear” my clutch pedal. It also feels a bit sponge-ey.

I’d love to compare notes with other Manual owners out there - anybody else have a noisy clutch? What’s the solution? Thank You!

 

I've got 65,000kms on my 2020 and I have no squeak. Sometimes in -20 degrees it can be sticky, but only makes a noise when it slams open.

 

My 2nd gen squeaked a lot. My 3rd isn't early as bad.

 

TSB was released that covers 20-23 model years, new pedal assembly.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tarted-“creaking”.816471/page-2#post-29295731

 

All of them do this eventually. Pack the spot where the master cylinder pushrod rides in the back of the pedal with disc brake grease. It will quiet it down to silent for a very long time, if not permanently.

The most current TSB is still using the parts you already have sans the master cylinder, so I really don’t see the point to going to the dealer. The master cylinder itself is never the problem. The other parts (pedal, pedal spring bushing) are the same parts all 2020+ already have. Changing them isn’t going to fix anything.

 

My 2019 was replaced under service bulletin (warranty) over a year ago. No squeaks so far, they using DIFFERENT parts, not the same (at least here in Canada).
Issue was fixed, anyways.

 

The TSB came out in 2019. Yes, it updated 2019s to newer parts, using a new pedal that had a spot for a bushing where the return spring rides. Those updated parts are the same parts employed to all factory 2020-2023s, except they just revised the 2019 TSB to now be a 2023 version with a new master cylinder part#. The pedal and where the clevis rides (the noise-maker location) is still the same.

If you don’t have noise issues, the dealer greased it well.

 

My 2022 Sport is at the dealership right now (Sheehy Toyota - Fredericksburg, VA)...they "approved" the TSB and had to order parts. I'm supposed to pick it up today. I'll post the documents they give me in terms of the work that was completed. Stay tuned.

 

Had this issue on my '20 and it drove me nuts too. I applied a ton of brake grease to the pushrod which helped. But what permanently resolved it was tightening the pushrod if I recall correctly. If it wasn't the pushrod then something was loose down there and tightening it helped immensely. Also made clutch way more engaging and easier to use.

Edit: just want to add my issue wasn't squeaking, but more creaking and cracking when using the clutch. Might be entirely different than the TSB fix honestly.

 

Interesting... my 2019 has the issue and its more pronounced in the winter time for sure. Unfortunately, Toyota Europe wont perform a Toyota USA TSB and so likely I'd have to wait until it comes back stateside.

 

The TSB in 2019 only changed the pedal to add a bushing where the return spring rides in the pedal. Previously the spring rode in a groove in the actual pedal, but now it rides in a bushing in the pedal, so eventually you replace the bushing instead of the pedal. No part of this change fixes the noisy pedal though.

You're out of warranty, I would not pay the dealer to perform the TSB when you make it back to the states. If you have noise issues, buy disc brake grease and try applying it in the areas that are known to make noise. And apparently check to make sure the MC pushrod clevis is not loose.

I would certainly not waste money on the TSB, as the TSB doesn't fix the noise...unless you just want the newer plastic pedal with the return spring bushing. But if you're paying for that, go ahead and pay for the real upgrade and get the all metal FJ pedal instead.

This is ultimately all the 2019 TSB changed:

 

Hey neighbor (sort of)! I just had mine done at Warrenton Toyota, they had to order parts as well and kept it over the weekend. Honored the updated TSB no questions asked...back to creak free shifting for now.

 

My 2009 six speed manual had the clutch squeak .The dealer tried to fix it twice.The third time they had a factory rep come and fix it.It never made a sound afterwards for the next 12 years .

 

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I was hoping Toyota US would do a good will repair as they should have documented attempts from me trying to get the TSB done. If not, I guess the FJ pedal might be my next step. I do wonder if the 4th gen clutch will have the same issues and be able to be retrofitted if it happens to solve the squeak issues

 

Update...they need to keep it longer, still waiting on another part. Going to hook me up with a loaner - hopefully nothing stupid like a Prius (no offense to any Prius owners) ;-)

 

Right off the bat I know the 4th gen has a metal pedal. Not sure if it’s the FJ one or a new or other existing design. I’d imagine it’s the FJ piece because then they can keep all else the same, but who knows. FJ works great in mine, glad I did it. Being that the 4th gen is metal, it’ll probably be fine. This is the only manual vehicle I’ve ever driven where the pedal is a problem. My 30 year old Jeep has a perfectly fine stock pedal that has never had a single issue or noise.

Maybe you’ll get a goodwill on a new plastic one for the TSB.

 

Well thats good to know that the 4th gen has a better pedal. Hopefully its the FJs so that price to buy stays low. Its a big maybe... My GF has a super white RAV4 that had the paint service campaign due while she was stationed here and they refused to honor her repair performed while overseas... even though it met all of the criteria to be covered...

 

my '17 2.7 clutch pedal turned into a creaky little booger. I'd occasionally hit the rubbing parts with some spray lithium grease, quiet as a church mouse.

 

I had the TSB done and it cured the squeak. My extended warranty covered it, otherwise it was self pay.

 

I had the same issue, 2021 toyota M/T. I fixed mine entirely with disk brake quiet from Auto zone. Had doubts and was going to take it in for warranty but never heard the squeak again. Below are the locations I greased and for context this was July 2023. No issues since.