2019 Tacoma Off Road Clutch problems

Hello, looking for some knowledge about the clutch. It’s been in the shop for a new clutch for three weeks now. Mostly because of lack of parts. They put in a new clutch and slave cylinder. The mechanic now says it still won’t shift into higher gears. Now they said they have to put in a new master cylinder. Anyone hear about or have problems like this? Only 65,000 miles on it. It’s a beautiful truck in wicked good shape except for the clutch problem. TIA

 

Always MT driver here (from a looong time) - Every clutch I've ever had in every vehicle (from multiple brands) has lasted 150k - 200k+ miles. I've never had to replace for any vehicle... So the above does not quite square with my experience.

The clutch should not cause issues with shifting - If installed anywhere approaching the correct way. I only play a mechanic on TV, but again something is off and fishy... I understand it is advisable to replace the master cilynder, but I've never heard of this at 65k...
Others will have better hands-on insight with details.

How much confidence do you have in the guy doing the work?

 

Only 65k on the original clutch? Why did it fail so soon?

 

sounds like it might be the gearbox, maybe a synchro issue, but not the clutch? Have they drained and refilled the MT fluid?

 

This is what I’m wondering, especially since original clutch failed way too soon,, if it was the even the clutch or another problem.

 

I’m not sure the reason. It was getting very high in the peddle and had to keep reving it up for it to catch. Also, it was getting harder and harder to shift into higher gears on the highway. When shifting to the higher gears, As I let out the clutch, it would thump. Right now, I’m not so confident in the tech. I wanted to bring it to Toyota but, they wouldn’t except the warranty company even though the warranty says I can bring it anywhere.‍♂️ I drive manual in my work trucks and learned as a kid on my first car in the early 90s. I e had several manuals. My 99 Chevy S-10 zr2 got 130 on the original clutch. I bought this used in beginning of September.

 

I suspect the syncros. If the transmission oil was replaced long ago, and if they used the wrong kind of gear oil the brass syncros will deteriorate. You must use GL4 gear oil in transmission with brass syncros. The newer GL5 can be used everywhere else (transfer case and differentials).

 

Can you shift through all the gears with the engine off? Also what did they use for transmission fluid? And is your clutch pedal height and free play adjusted properly

 

Like you I have driven my fair share of manuals. The Tacoma has one of the wonkiest clutch and shifting out of all of them. It doesn't surprise me people don't get higher mileage out of them.

 

You just seemed to get unlucky, sorry to hear.

I’ve had multiple MT vehicles over last 18 years and only thing I had to do was a clutch replacement once.

My taco has got 60k miles and it has been stellar. Last few months I’ve been towing daily too, clutch feels and works good as new.

 

I had to replace my clutch around the 43k mark. But I go wheeling/camping a lot. Replaced the OEM with a Centerforce clutch and kept on trucking.

 

As for what had been done in the past, I don’t know. I do t know if they can shift it through the gears. They just told me yesterday afternoon that needed to put in the a master cylinder and they couldn’t bleed the slave cylinder. They were having a really hard time. The master cylinder was put in late in the afternoon yesterday. They said all they had to do today was bleed the lines and put it all back together. It’s 12:25 and still no word. SMH

 

Is the sop a dealership or independent shop?

we have a very experienced mechanic my family uses. When my 2nd gen clutch went out he recommended taking it to Toyota for the master techs to do the work. He didn't want to deal with it. Worked out well.

 

Neither am I.
Defiantly seek another opinion from an actual tech.

 

I had my clutch go out prematurely at 30k …but I blamed 285/70/17s and the OVtune 2.0 final

 

are you from Mass?

 

It’s a mom and pop used car dealership. I’m from NH. Still no word on it as of now. SMH