Clutch squeak Linear Spring swap (TW how to)

Last fall I bought a 98 Tacoma 2.7L that has 180k on it and has an obnoxious clutch squeak. I don't know when the clutch was last replaced and unless I'm gentle with it, the clutch grabs/clunks releasing into 4th and 5th. I don't mind finessing the clutch to extend the life but that squeak is annoying. Is there any way to differentiate between pressure plate squeak versus that of the linear spring?

AJ

 

Update to this...so the brake return spring definitely catches and "clicks" everytime I engage the clutch. Almost more annoying than the original squeak. The 4cyl spring is probably the better option for anyone going to do this mod. Or just replace the bushings. I know one guy has stated he did replaced the bushings and pulled the clutch pedal to do so. I personally don't see why you would need to pull it it though to replace those little bushings.

 

Well guys everyone has their own way of fixing things and that's great, but I've replaced the bushing on the clutch pedal spring to stop the squeak on several tacos, re-used the original spring all in 45 minutes or less by removing clutch pedal ass'y, not touching the fluid line and driving it away in less time than it takes to monkey around modifying everything. I'll be sittin' down drinking my lemonade while the modifiers modify!

 

me also

 

OK so I just purchased the three replacement bushings from Toyota after being disappointed with the spring mod. Is it just me? But I see no reason why I would need to pull the clutch pedal assembly out? Maybe just to make it a little easier to get the spring in?

 

It will take you less time to R&I pedal than to try to reload spring laying on your side with everything installed.

 

Which bushings did you buy? Mine still squeaks too!

 

I at first did the replacement brake spring mod. It's clicks on the clutch pedal assembly(annoying) so I just bought two bushings for each side of the oem spring and the one it rotates on in the middle. Have not installed yet. Did you put a little grease on them? May delete your squeak.

 

Ok we have a misunderstanding. I also performed the clutch return spring swap and still have a squeak. I'm wondering which bushings you ordered, as I may do the same.

 

It's was the 31301Q X2 and 1x 31301P. The metal "post" the the 31301P bushing sits in is what my brake return spring was catching on and making a clicking sound everytime I pushed the clutch.

 

Toyota Part # 90389-05017 corresponds to 31301P IN FirstGen Jer posted parts diagram. That's the only one I've ever had to replace.

 

Just did another one of these yesterday so it's fresh in my mind how to do it. Unbolt clutch pedal ass'y from truck and take to workbench. Do not disconnect hydraulic line just let reservoir hang. Remove nut from long bolt that pedal rotates on and pull bolt out slowly. There is not much tension on spring. Leave spring attached at both ends and slide pedal with spring still attached to it just out far enough to get to the little plastic bushing. Remove remains of broken bushing and install new one. Push pedal with spring attached back into bracket ass'y and re-install long bolt. Install in vehicle and you're done. It really is a simple job. So what if new bushing only lasts 40,000 miles. Easy fix. Remember wear safety glasses and I'm only responsible for my work, no one elses!

 

Was shaking out the floormat on my 02 tacoma and found the remains of the bushings from the big "torsion" spring... had no idea where they came from and didnt think a whole lot about it. A week later I noticed the squeek from the clutch pedal (which has always been there) had gotten louder... didnt think much about that either. (I usually have the radio up louder than I should anyway)
Until one morning I pushed the clutch pedal to the floor, started the engine, and the pedal stayed at the floor. *Panic!* I had $#!* to do!!! I pried the pedal up with my foot and noticed it didnt return all the way and make connection to the cruise control switch. I dealt with it for the day and had it stick on me twice more (only when I had the pedal all the way to floor).
Upon inspection later that day I didnt see anything wrong (the bushing seat is tucked up in there pretty well under that big ass spring). I started searching the interweb hoping for an easy repair to my situation... LOW AND BEHOLD I found this thread. I wasnt sure if that spring was the problem but the simple fact I could do without it (Big weird spring) peaked my interest so... I went to Advance Auto Parts and paid $4.29 for a 2 pk of "clutch pedal return springs" (8") made by DORMAN ( dorman item #29007). I had to bend the pedal side to spec and trim the end. It does not hit or rub at all. It got rid of that SqueeeeK, and the pedal hasnt stuck to the floor since. Zero change in pedal pressure.
I had no problem taking out the big torsion spring with a big screw driver (the step that had me worried). It took longer to bend the replacement spring than remove torsion and install linear... total time 12 minutes.
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS THREAD!

 

I am reviving an old thread but the hillman part number is no longer in existence to Ace Hardware. Any recommendations?

 

squeaky clutch i remember how bad it was the first many years I had it, might just be 'normal' squeaky now but i dunno (nothing to compare it to)

 

It’s been a long time since I did the mod, and the trucks been gone for a few years now but I believe it’s a hillman #70 extension spring. You should be able to find it at a local hardware store. Rucas posted the specs of the spring he used.

 

I remember there is an oem Toyota linear spring equivalent for this because I remember seeing it in my parts bin. I might even still have it. It wasn't the spring that squeaked but the plastic bushings that the springs rotated in.

 

Brake pedal return spring works. That's what I'm using. Also heard that the linear clutch pedal return spring from the 4-bangers works.

 

Thanks for this thread, just bought the #70 Hillman spring from Ace hardware($2.59) and going to try the spring first. Post #160 has some helpful photos.

 

This photo might also be helpful.