Clutch shudder?

2008 Regular cab 4cyl 5 spd. 200k

I've noticed this for probably the last 30k or longer and it seems like it's a little bit worse these days but when I first start the truck and take off from a dead stop, the whole truck will sometimes shake or shudder or buck violently for like a second as the clutch starts to grab. Like the whole cab and bed will shake and make a loud knocking repetitive noise, might be my campershell hitting the back of the cab a little or bed jarring around or something due to the rapid shudder.

Truck only does it the first few stops until it reaches operating temp then I don't have any issues. If I really give it the beans and really focus on letting the clutch out smooth, it doesn't do it.

I notice it more now because I live in town and have to make a few stops at stop signs. When I was out in the country I would immediately start and hit the highway and the truck would have time to warm up and I wouldn't notice it when I would make stops in town.

I have had the truck since 55k so as far as I know it has the OG clutch and everything.

 

I have had this shuddering problem with my 2013 4wd 6 speed. I just had the clutch changed last week (Aisin oem clutch kit) for the squeaking throw out bearing issue. That is resolved and I did not notice any shuddering this morning. It was damp today and that is usually when it does it, though it is worse when cold and damp. Like you, it was from the first or second stop sign and then it goes away. I think the flywheel and/or pressure plate gets flash rust when sitting over night. Then in the morning that causes grabbing and shuddering as it gets rubbed off. The old clutch still had plenty of life left in it at 113K miles. They used to call this clutch chatter and it can also come from a bad pilot bushing, warped or broken pressure plate or clutch disk, warped or burnt flywheel, bad transmission input bearing and sometimes bad motor or transmission mounts. In these cases it would be more constant though. They did find a leaking clutch slave cylinder and a seeping transfer case output seal too, which they changed. Should be good for another 100,000+ miles.

 

Often shuddering is caused by the condition of the flywheel's surface, it's why they typically get machined when installing a new clutch.

 

That acutally makes a lot of sense, it definitely seems to be worse when damp, it has been quite humid in southern MO. Yeah it's not constant, gone after warm up.

Thats good info thank you. I have thought about replacing it just for piece of mind. I have heard OEM Aisin is the way to go. Does the clutch kit come with all the parts you need? my clutch has squeaked on and off since I've had the truck no idea if it's the throwout bearing I don't think thats as abig of an issue on the 6 cylinders.

How much did it run you to have it replaced?

 

200k is a decent service life for any clutch, especially since you don't know its early history and how it was broken in and used previous to you. I'd bank on replacing it sooner than later with OEM parts.

The pressure plate, clutch disc and throw out bearing all come separately from Toyota, but total less than $500. Don't forget to have your flywheel machined/honed and install new bolts on the flywheel and pressure plate.

Shop rates vary from shop to shop and dealer to dealer, but it ain't gonna be cheap. If you're fairly handy and methodical, you can do it all yourself in a long day or weekend without much more than a 10mm, a 12mm, 14mm, and 17mm set of sockets and wrenches and a jack/stands. I've found, in doing Toyota clutches several times now on various generations, it's nice having a long/big selection of 3/8 inch ratchet extensions and a socket swivel for getting to the bolts at the top of the bell housing. On my most recent clutch job on my 2nd gen, I think I used all 2.5 feet of extensions that I had. Also, having a cheap (Harbor Freight) tranny jack can make a huge difference in the ease of both removing and installing the tranny. Good luck!

 

I didn't get the bill yet. I did pay about $240.00 for the clutch kit from Amazon, Aisin, and I used an independent shop, in business for a very long time. The kit came with throw out bearing, clutch, pressure plate, and alignment tool. I think the book time is about 6-7 hours (x labor rate). for this job in a perfect world. Add in un-foreseen issues and the hours climb. My throw out bearing squeaked when my foot was OFF the clutch pedal. Just slight pressure on the pedal caused it to stop. It seems to be very common ,at varying mileage, on the 6 speed trans. I have had them fail on other vehicles and they all squeaked with pressure ON the pedal. Keep in mind, I do not ride the clutch or anything like that. I have had standard transmissions for most of the last 40 years.

My days of doing 4wd clutches on the ground are passed. I still do all of my own work but this job is not worth it. I was away on vacation and when I came back the job was done. I would say that other than regular maintenance items this truck has needed no other repairs, except for a blower motor resistor. Compare that to my sons 2015 Ford F-150........ and it's a whole other story. I still have the original brake rotors that look brand new. I only use OEM pads. You cant beat a Toyota for reliability.