Squeaky Clutch

I've recently started experiencing the dreaded clutch squeak in my 2003 Tacoma SR5 2.7L. I've seen a lot of info online for this issue, from replacing a u-bushing on the torsion spring to replacing the entire torsion spring with a simple spring from a hardware store. However, all these solutions seem to apply to 6 cylinders. With the four cylinders I have heard that you should replace the entire clutch assembly.

I took it to a mechanic and he greased the fork but it did not solve the issue at all. He said it was nothing to worry about but it's making an otherwise nice truck sound awful.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this issue? If so, what should I do about it? The squeak can not be ignored and it's starting to drive me crazy.

 

Learn to ignore it.

Roughly around the 10th year of ownership your brain will automatically tune out the noise.

So has been my experience

 

Not really what I wanted to hear. I just bought the truck a month ago! It didn't have the squeak when I bought it.

There has to be a way to fix this!

 

I have the 3.4 V6 and if I spray some lube on the bushing and spring the squeak goes away for a month or so.

Fortunately for me the noise really only acts up when it's super cold and/or humid... living Colorado helps keep the squeaking at bay most of the year.

 

So is your clutch peddle assy. that much different than a 6 cyl? Can you take a picture of it?

 

Mine does not appear to have a torsion spring. And the creak sounds like it may be coming from the engine compartment. But I can still hear it loud and clear in the cab. I'll go take some pics.

 

Here are some pics. It was tough to get a good shot so here's a bunch of them. Notice the black spring and lack of torsion spring. I'm not sure if this is typical of the 4 cylinders or if this one has had the "spring mod" done to it.

 

The torsion spring can be seen on this link. http://www.lieblweb.com/clutchbushing.html

 

Well your right that looks nothing like mine in my V6. But the problem still sounds the same, A metal on metal sound so I would inspect all of your moving parts in that assy and make sure that there is nothing rubbing. Sorry I couldn't help anymore.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give the assembly a close inspection. However, I think the sound might be coming from the engine compartment. What would I look at inside the engine compartment. I can see the master cylinder but I'm not sure where the fork or boot is. I just got a repair manual so I'll take a look.

If anyone has more specific advice please let me know. Thanks.

 

You should be able to see the clutch fork sticking out from the side of the tranny right below your master cylinder maybe double check the linkage that connects that to your peddle assy.

 

Okay, I'll take a look. Thanks again.

 

If anyone else has any suggestions I'm all ears.

 

I think it's coming from outside, but I'll need to get someone to push the clutch for me while I listen to confirm. My truck model does not appear to have come with a torsion spring, just a standard spring as shown in my pictures, so it can't be the bushing.

Thanks for the post. I'll try to isolate the squeak. If anyone has solved the squeaking issue with my particular model please let me know. I have heard I should try some lithium grease in a grease gun and shoot into the bell housing. So maybe I'll try that.

I wish I could live with the sound, but its pretty loud and embarassing.

 

The noise is your clutch fork inside the bell housing. I have a Tacoma and 3rd Gen 4Runner. My truck used to make the sound until I had the clutch replaced, but my 4Runner still makes the noise. I just shoot lithium grease or WD40 in there every once in a while and it keeps the noise down. There is no reason to replace the clutch until it actually goes out unless you absolutely can't stand the noise.

 

Sorry to thread jack But i like your truck man! Kinda resembles mine

 

Okay I'll give it a shot.

 

I went under the truck and sprayed some lithium in the bell housing and the squeaking has lessened a lot. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

 

Thanks!!