Clutch Adjustment Advice

2001 Tacoma 3.4

The gears seem to engage in about the last 3/4ths or maybe 7/8ths of the clutch travel (from the floor out). I've tried searching for a previous thread and no luck (yet). Is there a recommended way to adjust the clutch in our 1st Gens; or is it time for a new clutch plate??

Thanks for any help.

 

the only adjustment is free play. Try bleeding it first.

 

Thx. Any advice on bleeding? I'm assuming the master cylinder is what you are referring to?

 

Is this a new to you vehicle??

Has the release point been changing with time??

 

Here's how to check if the pedal is at least set up correctly.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clutch-pedal-truffle-shuffle.499079/

 

bleeding the system is easier with 2 people. If the clucth master cylinder has the anti-evaporation float in it take that out first. Then with what ever device of your choosing, remove as much of the fluid out of the master cylinder resivoir... leave enough to not expose the very bottom to air. refill the resivoir with new clean fluid. have your helper press the clutch pedal to the floor a few times and then hold it in the down position and from underneath open the bleed valve on the slave cylinder. Fluid will squirt out so either put a small hose on it or a rag. close the valve and have the helper release the pedal. repeat this proceedure until the new clean fluid comes out. If you screw up, just start over.

The engagement point of the clutch is the best indicator of if the disk is worn or not... it is a "feel" thing. Tough to describe what early and late engagement with pedal travel is. Some people will say it engages right off the floor but then they have an extra thick floor mat while others say it doesnt engage until the pedal is almost to the top. Very little movement at the clutch disk translates to lots of movement at the pedal by design.

 

This vehicle is relatively new to me - within the past month. I feel like the clutch has worsened, yes (and it's not my first manual vehicle, so I'm familiar with driving stick).

 

I'll give this a look over later today and make sure. I don't have the squeak that can be problematic, so that's a plus.

Super helpful! Thanks @Glamisman That may be my best approach. If that doesn't help in improving clutch engagement, then maybe it is time for a new clutch disk! Thanks

 

you are welcome... try the free things first!

 

Always the smart thing!

 

1/4" vynil hose from Home Depot around the bleed valve and ran through a hole in the cap of a 1 liter soda bottle works great as a reservoir if you're self bleeding.

 

Great idea!

I checked the pedal play - it seems fine. There is very little play. I also checked my clutch master cylinder fluid - it is NOT black. More of a light color - so that seems positive. I'm guessing I could have a bubble in the system, OR it is time for a new clutch disk/plate...

 

Is the slave cylinder operating as it should? I had a frozen one and had an issue when I installed my new clutch. $40 for an Aisin replacement isn't too big of an investment if you're replacing the clutch, but may not be a problem in your case.

 

How would I know if it is or is NOT operating as it should? My inclination is that it is...

 

If the cylinders were leaky internally I'd expect that you would have a tough time disengaging the clutch.

How many miles on it?

 

Clutch disengages fine, no sticking. The truck has 146,5xx on it

 

Well if you bleed the master cylinder and check the pedal setup in the footwell you'll have a better idea if the pressure plate is worn - is it slipping?

 

Gotcha. No slipping. Just feels like it's letting out pretty far from the floor. And from what I'm understanding, with the hydraulic clutch on the Tacomas that may be within" normal"

 

With a hydraulic clutch linkage, air in the system or a leaking cylinder will cause the clutch to engage when the pedal is closer to the floor. Not high engagement. That is a symptom of a worn clutch.

I’d personally wait until Slippy McSlipface showed up to change it though. Just don’t roast it and ruin your flywheel in between.

 

Lol, Slippy McSlipface - love it!

Yea, this is what I'm thinking - wait till symptoms worsen. I really started this thread with hopes of learning more, and more I have learned. Thanks to TW peeps for the input!