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Soft Cluth Help

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by Milky J, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Mar 2, 2021 at 7:39 AM
    #1
    Milky J

    Milky J [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Milky
    Vehicle:
    2009 Tacoma prerunner
    Howdy all,

    So I got in my truck the other day and the clutch felt very soft. There’s about 2-3” of play in it before there’s any pressure. It rebounds fine and hasn’t been stuck to the floorboard yet. But the softness hasn’t improved, or gotten worse.

    I really don’t want to be stranded anywhere, what’s my best bet for addressing this? I have tools and a moderate amount of mechanical ability. I’m just lacking on the knowledge part.

    I’ve read it could be the slave cylinder or master cylinder or both. I don’t really know what either of those are, or where they are. How do I test them, and how do I fix my problem before it becomes a larger issue?

    Truck hasn’t had any recent work. Good condition for the age. Not located in the rust belt.

    2009 Tacoma PreRunner TRD, 4cyl with 5spd manual.
     
  2. Mar 2, 2021 at 7:55 AM
    #2
    tirediron

    tirediron Well-Known Member

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    John
    Victoria, BC< Canada
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    2022 4x4 Sport, Auto, BCM
    How many miles on the clutch?

    How long has this problem been noticeable?

    The master cylinder is the hydraulic cylinder to which your clutch pedal is attached via the push-rod; you can locate it in the engine compartment by locating the fluid reservoir. The slave cylinder is located on the bell housing and actually operates the clutch. The two are connected by a flexible line. It's possible to have entrapped air in the system resulting in a soft pedal, usually caused by the fluid getting too low. Alternatively the seals in either one could be worn, allowing some fluid to pass around them, but to be honest, this sounds more like plain old worn out clutch to me.
     
  3. Mar 2, 2021 at 8:04 AM
    #3
    Milky J

    Milky J [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Milky
    Vehicle:
    2009 Tacoma prerunner
    180k on the truck, clutch is original, so is the master cylinder, etc.

    Is there anyway to test to see if it’s the clutch without taking it apart?
     
  4. Mar 2, 2021 at 8:06 AM
    #4
    Greg617

    Greg617 Well-Known Member

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    Greg
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2010 5-speed 4x4
    Dents and scratches... Fox 2.5 Factory
    Time for a new clutch my friend.
    Don't be like me and drive it till it fails and cant even be driven to a shop.
    My original clutch made it to 155k with a stuck in a ditch incident that had to hurt it a lot.
     
  5. Mar 2, 2021 at 8:13 AM
    #5
    tirediron

    tirediron Well-Known Member

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    Victoria, BC< Canada
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    2022 4x4 Sport, Auto, BCM
    You just did. It's the clutch. Either a weekend in the driveway for $300 and a case of beer, or $1500 at the shop. Definitely agree with getting this done sooner rather than later. I've grenaded a clutch before. It's... entertaining to say the least.
     
  6. Mar 2, 2021 at 8:14 AM
    #6
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards Well-Known Member

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    I would start by adjusting the clutch master cylinder push rod. Its located behind the clutch pedal, not in the engine bay. Try lengthening that and see if it helps some. There should be 5-15mm of free play in the pedal before the clutch pedal starts engaging the clutch master cyl
     
  7. Mar 2, 2021 at 8:15 AM
    #7
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards Well-Known Member

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    Unless the clutch is slipping, i wouldnt immediately assume its the clutch. Mine had a similar issue and the lock nut for the clutch master cyl came loose and affected the release point

    My original clutch made it to 220k and it was still going strong
     

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