Clutch Pedal Binding & Creaking Noise

I took my Tacoma into a local stealership last November (2012) to resolve some issues before my 36K/3Yr warranty expired.

I was told that the sagging rear leaf TSB I presented to them did not apply to a "regular cab" Tacoma and that the creaking noise experienced when actuating the clutch pedal was "normal" (I didn't know at that time that TSB's existed for the clutch issue). The stealership did nothing to address any of my concerns.

Consequently, I installed a set of Firestone RideRite Air Springs, which resolved the rear sagging under a load and greatly improved the ride and handling.

Meanwhile, the clutch creaking noise became significantly worse over time and began to affect the clutch operation. Smooth starts from a stop and smooth shifts became increasingly difficult.

It resembled "clutch chatter" as commonly derived from a worn clutch or burned pressure plate. It felt like the clutch linkage was binding-up (either that, or somehow I myself had lost any previous ability to smoothly coordinate a clutch and throttle pedal).

Armed with printouts obtained after searching the TW forums, I returned to the stealership last week and began to browbeat them into submission to fix the clutch problem under one of the issued TSBs. They tried to shirk their responsibilities by claiming that my 36K/3Yr vehicle warranty had lapsed. Luckily, I had a copy of the paperwork defining my request to address this issue from last November when the warranty was still in effect.

Long story short, after a week of haggling, the stealership recanted and performed the repairs under warranty.

Wow what a difference! Not only is the clutch creaking noise gone, but the operation of the clutch has become smooth as silk when starting out from a stop or shifting. (It appears that there was never anything wrong with my lifelong ability to smoothly operate a clutch. )

The Toyota tech showed me the new parts (Clutch Pedal & Master Cylinder) and pointed out the differences of the new parts compared to the old assemblies. It appears that the plunger rod from the master cylinder has a larger ball on the end that couples with the redesigned underside of the clutch pedal, which makes for smoother operation and prevents eventual binding.

If any TW members haven't had this TSB (TSB-0186-12) performed, I strongly recommend that you do so before your clutch assembly deteriorates and begins to bind-up.

 

awesome info! I don't even have a 4cyl and feel the need to thank you!