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Dead Clutch? Won't return...

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 39cents, Aug 5, 2009.

  1. Aug 5, 2009 at 4:09 PM
    #1
    39cents

    39cents [OP] Member

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    1999 taco ext cab, 4x4 254,000 Miles

    Pushed clutch in from being in neutral, clutch stayed completely depressed, could not go into any gears. Pulled clutch pedal back with hand and tried again, same result. transmission has never grinded gears and has always shifted smoothly,

    Poor ass college student, can't afford shop time...what can I do to assess and fix this on my own...will a Haynes manual be helpful?

    Thanks
     
  2. Aug 5, 2009 at 4:13 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    Welcome to TW!

    First, check your fluid level. Should be a little container next to the brake master cyl.
     
  3. Aug 5, 2009 at 4:25 PM
    #3
    39cents

    39cents [OP] Member

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    Checked the oil level....it is about 3/4 inch below the min. line. Once I add the dot 3 brake fluid to the right level..is it just as simple as pumping the clutch pedal a few times or is there more to it?
     
  4. Aug 5, 2009 at 5:10 PM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    That should be it. Unless something else is wrong.
     
  5. Aug 5, 2009 at 6:53 PM
    #5
    horizontallyopposed

    horizontallyopposed Active Member

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    its possible air could have gotten into the clutch master cylinder. if that's the case the system would need to be bled to get the bubble out. if that's not it i believe there is a fork in the transmission that actuates the pressure plate and engages/disengages the clutch. that could have broken or bent. from what i remember the fork is relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.
     
  6. Aug 5, 2009 at 7:04 PM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I was thinking the fork too, but its best to start with the easy stuff. :)
     
  7. Aug 5, 2009 at 7:09 PM
    #7
    Beej222

    Beej222 Member

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    your clutch slave could just be bad.
     
  8. Aug 5, 2009 at 7:12 PM
    #8
    horizontallyopposed

    horizontallyopposed Active Member

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    the previous owner of my truck said he had a similar problem and it turned out to be the fork. i think you can see it moving from the outside of the transmission. a haynes manual would probably help you trouble shoot the problem.
     
  9. Aug 5, 2009 at 7:44 PM
    #9
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    it is either not enough fluid in the clutch system/reservoir or, more likely, you have a bad clutch master cylinder that needs to be replaced.

    check the cheaper stuff suggested though first.
     
  10. Aug 5, 2009 at 7:52 PM
    #10
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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  11. Aug 5, 2009 at 8:37 PM
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    39cents

    39cents [OP] Member

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    thank you so much guys for the help!!
     
  12. Aug 5, 2009 at 8:55 PM
    #12
    39cents

    39cents [OP] Member

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    so I added the fluid..didn't work. I pumped the clutch, checked the oil level again. But when I was pushed the clutch only half way and let go it actually just kept sucking the clutch pedal all the way to the floor by itself. Is this a sign of anything obvious? oh and the brake fluid was a very dark brown so I'm sure it needs to be re bled regardless. next step, master cylinder or fork?
     
  13. Aug 6, 2009 at 4:47 AM
    #13
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    Is it leaking?
     
  14. Aug 6, 2009 at 5:56 AM
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    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Sounds like the fork, or the pressure plate could be broken.
     
  15. Aug 6, 2009 at 7:09 AM
    #15
    horizontallyopposed

    horizontallyopposed Active Member

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    it sounds like there is no return pressure. which is mainly supplied by the fork and pressure plate. if it actually sucked it down then there is no air in the system. if it was a bubble the pedal would move in or out freely. i wouldnt rule out a bad cylinder but there are easier and cheaper things to check first
     
  16. Aug 7, 2009 at 10:32 AM
    #16
    39cents

    39cents [OP] Member

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    checked it for leaks, its bone dry from top to bottom...I'll start digging around see what I can find. How will you be able to tell if the fork or pressure plate is bad? do you have to take apart the transmission completely?
     
  17. Aug 7, 2009 at 10:42 AM
    #17
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    There is a boot on the fork. You should be able to remove it (atleast pull it out of the way. There is also a inspection cover (IIRC) that can be removed. The fork should be hard to move. If it is free-floating then either the fork is bent or the plate is shot. Either or designates a tranny drop.

    With that many miles, I hope it isn't the original clutch.
     
  18. Aug 7, 2009 at 10:45 AM
    #18
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    If it is bone dry you have a leak somewhere? There is no puddle on the ground?
     
  19. Aug 7, 2009 at 11:04 AM
    #19
    BeefTaco

    BeefTaco WESTern Alliance: NORCAL COAST

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    Also look under the dash the master cylinder will leak down the fire wall into the cab and on to the carpet.
     

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