Clutch not disengaging...hard to shift

I have a 2001 Tacoma STD cab 4x4 2.7L. The clutch doesn't slip but it shifts hard or I can't get it in gear a lot of times at a stand still. I've noticed this evening, that the clutch isn't totally disengaging and is dragging the truck slightly along when clutch is fully depressed. The reservoir is full and I bled the slave cylinder last fall after a dog ate the flexible clutch line Is the master or slave cylinder bad? Or throw out bearing or clutch bad? Clutch chattering has gotten worse since I bought it last year. Truck has 125K miles on it, no idea if clutch has been replaced.

 

I'm sure GearCruncher will be along soon, and he knows way more about this than I do.

How many miles were on the truck when you bought it? I'd almost bet you have the original clutch.

There is a pedal adjustment under the pedal. You could try adjusting it and see if you can push the clutch a little further.

One of the cylinders leaking is a possibility, as well. The slave cylinder will visibly leak if it is the culprit. The master will not. I don't know how to test the master cylinder. Both are pretty easy to replace. Don't buy cheap ones. For example, I'll never buy a brake or clutch cylinder from Autozone again. My failure rate is north of 50% with them.

After you jack with that, it's a new clutch. But, wait for someone who knows more. It shouldn't take long.

 

I know a little about this, but am by no means and expert. The basics I see are this;

If the truck is moving at all the clutch is currently operable. Generally a clutch plate will show failure while the truck is moving with a heavy load, via a "hill" or towing something.

If the clutch is fully depressed and some separation occurs, but not full separation the master cylinder is working, but the slave is not.

The chatter however could be signs of a failing clutch or poor re-engagment of the clutch plate when released.

Again, I am by no means an expert!; but I have driven and worked on manual transmission cars and trucks and personally owned a 1978 Toyota Corolla that had the exact same symptoms you describe and the slave cylinder was the culprit.

 

I have the same problem. I've been driving manual transmissions my whole life. But I cooked the stock clutch with 6000 km on it. Wtf? Toyota wouldn't cover it. Now have the same problem as decribed with a stage 3+ with 16000 km on it. Have you found the problem?

 

Anyone find the problem?

 

if the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft is dry it will turn the transmission input shaft with the clutch disengaged. If there is any misalignment of the transmission to the block the same thing will happen.