clutch problem?

[ajcooke]

Hi - suddenly I have a strange metallic noise when releasing the clutch - it's happening when I change down to slow the car or when I'm pulling away on a hill - if I drive carefully and release very slowly I seem to be okay for the moment - I can feel something rubbing/grinding on the clutch pedal with my foot

1st question - I won't be able to do anything for another week - does it sound like I'll get away with it if I'm careful

2nd question - assuming I need to change the clutch, I had a look on Roughtrax where they're selling the solid flywheel conversion with a new clutch or else the clutch replacement on its own but only if you've already got the solid flywheel. How can I know if I've got the solid flywheel or not?

If I have the dual mass should I definitely change it or is there a clutch change i can do with it as is?

My 4runner has done about 300k although it's a fairly new recon engine - about 70k - but I don't know if they replaced the clutch

The VIN is JT111GND0 8008379 if that helps

EDIT: just noticed clutch fluid very low - have topped up - maybe something or nothing!

thanks as ever for your help

andy

[ajcooke]

Okay so now the clutch has gone altogether - yesterday it was slipping like mad and then today suddenly the pedal went noticably softer and now no clutch at all - can't get it into gear.

Bled and changed fluid but no change.

I'm assuming it's new clutch time not the cylinder as you can see the slave cylinder moving back and forth but it's having no effect on the clutch.

Just thought I'd check here in case anyone has any other ideas.

Also, I have been told that a European 4runner would already have a solid flywheel which will save me many £'s - anyone have any thoughts on this?




Thanks.

[Gonzo]

Hey mate,

I'm no expert by any stretch but thought I'd share my clutch experiences anyway it might help some.

I own a 95 Surf that had a 1st gear synchro ring shit itself. I replaced the box only to have the clutch follow suit some 3 weeks later.

It was a dual mass flywheel setup from way back. When it failed, it would grind and clunk away, with minimal traction that allowed me to crawl home and not much more. I found out eventually the dual mass flywheel had peeled itself apart and was the cause of the issue.

When I switched it out I did a ton of research into what was best to replace it with. I had heard going from dual -> solid had a few drawbacks, mainly gearbox 'chatter' (the flywheel creating vibrations sent back through the gearbox) and a noticable difference in driveablility.

Not to mention co$t! Eventually I decided to go with a solid flywheel & clutch, brand new that cost me NZD$800. The best price I could get (after many ph calls) on a dual mass flywheel only, was NZD$2400...rediculous.

I did the swap myself, replaced the spigot bearing and crank seal (a must, and make sure you add tonnes of sealant - if you don't, you get a nice little oil leak cause it's stuffed - the only rememdy is to pull it all back out and do it again) and she's been primo ever since.

Once the whole kit had bedded in it was barely noticable from the old dual mass flywheel (other than a slightly more responsive at the left foot) and I would definitely recommend it if not for the sake of cost but for simplicity also.

Good luck.

Gonzo

[ajcooke]

Thanks Gonzo - have ordered the whole clutch and solid flywheel kit today - better to be safe than sorry!