Clutch issues, please help!, Need to drive back to college!! Options

[phokur]

Ok so it has been a ongoing problem, when I am merging into traffic, really winding it out, the clutch will slip as I enter gears, then slowly catch. It's been getting worst and worst until now. If I'm in gear and hit the gas, rather than stressing the engine, the clutch will just slip really bad. I'm worried that when I go to school next week the mountains will finish it off. Does this sound like the clutch? Also any clutch system anybody can recommend? Money is low, so I'd like a upgrade, but can't go crazy.

This post has been edited by phokur: Jan 11, 2007 - 8:19 PM

[Bitter]

at a stand still put it in 5th gear, let go of the clutch pedal gently. it should stall the car almost immediately. if it doesnt then theres a good chance the clutch is slipping.

[phokur]

It stalled as soon as the clutch was out... Maybe it's the pressure plate?

[Bitter]

usually all that stuff wears out at once. this could be the first signs of the clutch beginning to go out.

[phokur]

I really don't have time to fix it now, how can I know if it'd be safe to drive for awhile? (btw ty for the quick help)

[My2Celi]

HOw many miles do you have on that car? and when was the last time you change out your clutch?

[Punisher]

HOw many miles do you have on that car? and when was the last time you change out your clutch?

You'll be fine driving it back just take it easy...

I always did the clutch test in 4th.. and it always stalled.. you have to have one REALLY bad clutch for it to not stall. How does the peddle feel? Good and stiff or like your putting your foot into a bowl of thick oatmeal?

Anywho my advice is to replace the clutch and pressure plate at the same time and have your flywheel resurfaced.. even if you get an aftermarket flywheel I'd take it to a shop to have them check that it's balanced and cut right.

[jc47]

It sounds like your clutch probably needs to be replaced. It really doesn't have much to do with the amount of miles or age of the car. One of my friends drove his car for quite a while with the clutch slipping like you describe, but around here it is mostly flat. If you will be taking long trips through mountains, I would definitely get it replaced. It might make it, but you will end up paying a lot more if you have to get it towed, plus you won't have time to look for the best price. I'd go with a standard OE type clutch; they are a little over $100 for the set.

[phokur]

Thanks for all of the replies! The car has 177k miles and I just bought it at 174k. I don't believe it has ever had the clutch replaced. So you recommend the OEM clutch? I found a nice looking one on eBay. I also see some stage 2 and stage 3s, not sure if those are better or not. The car is bone stock. Thanks!

[GTS13]

Yeah I had to same problem, bought my Celica and about 8 months later the clutch was gone, guess I don't drive much like the old owner. Anyway, my problems were exactly the same as yours and all you have to is buy a new clutch kit and install it. If you plan to install it yourself, give yourself ample time to do so as it takes a while. Good luck!

[jc47]

If your car is stock, OEM should be fine. If you need to save money, that is what I would recommend.

[phokur]

Thanks guys, I think I'm getting a shop to do it. I've had experience with RWD cars, but I am clueless with anything haveing to do with the trans on a FWD. OEM should be fine, and I think I'll just get the parts through them, they use NAPA and Toyota (depending on whose cheapest.) Thanks again for the quick replies!

[Celiracer18]

same thing happened to me. 3 hours in and I'm working on taking the old clutch off now.

[Punisher]

If you get one from toyota.. they use rubber bushings now instead of springs on the clutch disk.. and my god is it a SMOOTH clutch.. engages like butter.

[toyotacrazy]

I got a clutch kit from exedy on ebay for $200.00 including shipping. This included clutch disc, Pressure plate, Throwout bearing, and Flywheel! I had it in my car for 10,000 miles running the crap out of it. no problems. When I took it apart to do my 3sgte swap it looked almost like brand new. Thats what I would do if I were u.

[phokur]

Cool, glad to hear a review on the Exedy clutch. I see them on eBay for cheap, just wasn't sure if they were worthe anything. I have a guy looking at it this week. Depending on what he wants to charge me I will probably let him get the parts. Oh, who would have thought Mr. Tire won't touch a clutch? I geuss it's common sense, but I've seen cars in there with the engine stripped to the hg... *shrug*

[Celiracer18]

i bought an exedy and after buying some gear oil and spending about 8 hours on it i replaced my first clutch. have had nothing but smiles on my face since. if you feel you have the knowledge and time to do it i suggest doing it yourself and saving the insane amount places usually charge to do it.