Clutch Problems, '08 tC

[Steven M]

I bought my 08 tC at a used car dealership, 18000 miles. It was simply amazing for almost 6 months now, but now i am running into some problems. Throughout the six months there was a squeaking noise from clutch depression only audible from the outside, however now that noise has gone, and come back even worse.

I hear a loud squeaking noise every time i "engage" the clutch or let it out fully. This does not happen when the engine is not on, nor does it happen in neutral. But every time i shift from 1st-2nd, 2nd to 3rd and so on, i hear a loud squeaking, especially when i let go of the clutch quickly (i.e. 4th-5th) Also i grinded 2nd gear today which is extremely rare, which is also a symptom of a burnt clutch. (scared)

I treat my car fairly well, however today (when it started) 3 hours prior to hearing this problem i was teaching my friend the basics of driving manual. I would shift to first and slowly let out the clutch without any gas to move slowly to establish one of the basic rules that allowed me to learn stick shift. I only did this like 3 times, it shouldnt (i think) have been so detrimental to the car to entirely burn out the clutch in maybe 30 minutes of training.

I don't have much money, i really hope this isn't the result of a burnt out clutch. This is my first car, and if need be, should i buy stage 1 or 2, is the clutch kit all i need? i know almost nothing about the inner parts of cars and mechanics so how much would installation cost? The clutch kit is around $400 which is do-able if that damage is done. Also, is this in any way under warranty, i have done nothing after market to the car, completely stock besides the shiftknob i bought it with.

Thanks,

Steven.

By the way, besides this little mishap i absolutely love the car and for other scion enthusiasts i would defintly buy another (but i shouldnt have to right?)

[navylife59]

Well Steven, your warranty is blown because of the shift knob......
Or so the Dealership may lead you to believe. There is a Federal that puts the burden of proof onto the manufacturer/Dealership to prove that anything added to a vehicle by it's owner caused failure of said part. If direct proof does not exist, then the warranty of said part shall remain intact. What they can and will start off telling you is that the clutch is a wear item and not covered under warranty. While this is true, the clutch and related components are warrantied from defects and premature wear. Not every Dealership is going to be this way though Toyota is becoming notorious for being reluctant to accept any responsibility. Just prepare yourself.

With all that said, it sounds as if the trhow-out bearing is in the process of failing. There is a pivot point that the shift fork fulcrums on that could have built up sacrificed clutch material. This could change tolerances and put extra stress on the shift fork thus inducing a squeak. According to your brief description of driving habits, you may have been overheating your clutch by engaging the clutch too slow. Generated friction would be equivalent to that of "riding the brakes". This increased heat load could have dried up the grease on the input shaft or in the bearing itself. Shedding of the clutch material could have contaminated the portion of the input shaft that the throwout bearing slides back and forth. This buildup would create hotspots which would induce squeak.

You can pull the little black plastic panel on the transmission to inspect the clutch. It is located on the bottom where the motor and trans meet. If you truly have been riding your clutch, then copious amounts of scoffed clutch material will be behind this panel.

[Steven M]

OK, Thank you for your fast and detailed response, i really appreciate it...
anyhow, I'm going to check the clutch material like you said when it gets lighter outside.
1. what do i do if there is some clutch material lurking around in there?
2. what do i do if there isnt?
And if there is and the only option is to replace the clutch, is the "clutch kit" the right item i should be looking for? Also, how much will that cost to install because frankly i wouldnt trust myself to do any of it...is installation warrantied?

And "haha" at the shift knob rendering the warranty defective, the thing looks stupid and doesnt help driving at all, i think its called a taurus or something.

Well, thanks, i hope that corrective action wont be necessary...
and side note: Do scion approved products such as their CAI and other additions void warranty as well? theres is $120 more than the K&N one (which is also expensive) but when i was into that i was curious.

Thanks,
Steven

[navylife59]

1. There will always be a small amount of clutch friction material (in the form of powder) in the clutch/flywheel bell housing. Just like brake pads, clutches have sacrificial friction material. Copious amounts would be an indicator that the clutch has overheated. Chunks would indicate a damaged clutch and should be replaced immediately.
Scion Maintenance Manual states the following diagnosis for a noisy clutch; not a squeak per se.
Clutch is noisy
Clutch release bearing assembly (Worn, dirty, or damaged)
Clutch disk torsion rubber (Damaged)
2. Read #1.
3. The problem may be as simple as a dirty throw-out bearing that should be replaced with the clutch no matter what condition. Your flywheel may have stress fractures from overheat, be out-of-round, or glazed. Good time for a lightweight (LW) flywheel. Suggest a Stage I or Stage II (if you plan on doing some racing events). The TRD clutch is a decent upgrade for a N/A motor on the street.

Magnuson?Moss Warranty Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia protects car owners from loosing their warranties due to shift knob failure. Scion Dealers offer AEM, TRD, and Injen intakes as options.

[aarias298]

Hey, today i had the same thing happen to me. I was driving on Tuesday of this week and no problem. Then this afternoon i go to drive my car and i hear the noise. But mine makes noise even when my car is off. I hope it's not worse than what you stated above. Im going to see what it sounds like tomorrow morning before i go to school. Any ideas you can add feel free.