250KTACOMA

I've got a 96 Tacoma Xtnd cab with the 6 cylinder and 5 speed manual. It's been an amazingly reliable truck but I'm starting to have some clutch problems. Here's an example: When I'm parallel parking it and have to do some clutch (feathering), the pedal mysteriously sticks in the middle of the pedal stroke/pedal travel. What I do to fix it is stick my toe under the pedal and pull it to it's normal position and things are fine. But, what's happening here? Is my clutch going out or is the clutch mechanism wearing out?

Any help or insight here would be helpful.

Thanks.

mpavolka

How many miles does your truck have on it? How hard is it to press it down during the stroke below where it gets stuck? If it isn't very hard your springs in your clutch are probably just worn out.

rocket

iTrader: (1)

I'm guessing he has more than 250K.

If thats true, I sure hope my '96 gets that many...

tony_4runner

Did u find a solution to your problem? I have a 99 Runner and I am having the same problem. The pedal gets stuck after being pressed. The weird thing is that the transmission is still connected to the engine and I can't change gears when this happens.

JBSTRD

Check the fluid level and make sure you dont have any leaks. Also check the return spring under the pedal to make sure it is not sticking.

Jason

tony_4runner

I looked at the clutch fork on the transmission and it slowly returns into position engaging the transmission while the pedal is stuck on the floor. It looks like a problem with the hydraulics, perhaps the cylinders????

rollem

If your return spring has a good amount of tension to it, and your not leaking. I would look toward the slave cylinder. If the seals inside the slave cylinder are bad, letting fluid pass, then you'll probaly get a mild hydro lock on the return preventing full disengagement. What does the clutch do if you held it in for several minutes?

MTL_4runner

Sounds like it could be a few things but first thing to check would be to disconnect the clutch pedal arm from the clutch piston and ensure it moves through the full range of motion (this will make sure the assembly isn't binding somehow). Second I would try changing to the spring setup many of the guys had for fixing the a squeaky clutch pedal (this will ensure that the return spring is not the issue).

Here's the thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/fixed-stupid-plastic-clutch-pedal-bushing-19137/

You may also be having issues with the clutch master or slave cylinders or the pressure plate itself but it is always easiest to eliminate the simple or cheap fixes first before assuming it is something more major.

tony_4runner

Thanks... when I hold the clutch pressed for a period of time nothing happens. It only happens sometimes as I depress the clutch just a little, then it gets stuck but the clutch engages slowly at the transmission while the pedal is stuck. That's the weird part, which makes me think that it is not the spring or pedal, or am I missing something?
BTW, there are no leaks and no signs of lost fluid. I checked the clutch support plates and found no cracks, and did not see any deflection while pressing the pedal. I have no squeaking noise and the bushing looks ok (off course that I don't know how an "ok" looking bushing looks like...)

tony_4runner

The wrap-up.... ok, so I decided to try the option of purging the old brake fluid from the clutch hydraulic system and bleeding the system. This worked great!! I think it was the new fluid rather than the purging. It took a short drive until I started feeling the difference. The clutch pedal was returning very easily and did not get stuck anymore. I don't know how often are we supposed to change this fluid, but my truck has 72K. I guess it makes sense since the old fluid was dark and probably have lost most of its lubrication properties. I recommend it if you are having any kind of issues with your pedal. It's easy and cheap....
I wonder if it makes such a difference on the clutch system, if it will be worth to change the fluid on the brake system as well.

tony_4runner

ok, so I guess I claimed victory to early. It worked well until last night (2 days). The clutch got stuck again. It is like if sometimes you can just touch the clutch pedal a bit, and the pedal will floor completely. It looses all its resistance, kind of like if it is loosing the fluid, but the fluid is still there. I am lost......

tony_4runner

I ended up fixing it by exchanging the master cylinder. Cost: abaut $85 and 2 hours
I bench bled the cylinder and worked right away. I bled it about 10 more times when installed just to err on the safe side. My GF did good. She pushed on the clutch pedal.
Now, I guess my next project is to change the bushing. It just started making noises. I will follow the many advices on these threads.