Unusual Clutch 'failure'?

[o4avensis]

This is the first time I have posted as |I usually find my answer in someone else's post, but this one is unusual!!

I was driving at app. 50mph in 5th gear when the clutch lost all drive. I had not put my foot on the clutch or changed gears for a couple of minutes. It was during thew really cold spell, with snow all around. I tried to select other gears, but none would transfer any drive onto the road.

Pulled over at roadside and couldn't get car to move after that. When being towed home I discovered the drive had returned. I was able to maneouvre the car and all gears had returned.

Don't know if this is a one-off problem or if it is an indicator of imminent failure! Reading some of the posts about avensis clutches I am now very worried! Car has 144k and clutch was changed by 'dealer' (not toyota) when I bought car and returned it for sticking pedal (that was at 113k).

Any ideas??

Sean

[Druid Boy]

It is extremely unlikely to be a one off problem unfortunately. The loss of drive when at operating temparature and return of drive when cold after being towed may indicate that adjustment is required. On the other hand and without wishing to slander anyone it is possible that you need a new clutch and the dealer who changed the clutch when you took took the car back simply adjusted it to make it work. Are you absolutely confident the whole clutch was changed? Friction plate, pressure plate, release bearings etc?

[o4avensis]

Thanks Druid Boy,

can't be entirely sure whole clutch was replaced, but apparent problem was cured and has not repeated for 3 years or so. I strongly suspect that clutch plate/bearing etc may have been changed but flywheel was probably left alone. Think that may be where problem lies?? I have never heard of a clutch problem presenting in this way, so I wasn't sure if it was typical avensis behavior with an obvious fix???

Checked with toyota dealer who have quoted £11-1200 to replace clutch, depending on what they find when they open up. Local independent garage will do it for £100 plus parts. Think I might let them have a crack at it.

Thanks again, and if you have any suggestions I would be very glad to hear them - if nothing else it might prepare me for the worst when the garage open the gearbox!

Sean

[knobby]

HI if it helps i have had a few avensis that have had gearbox input shaft oil seals failing and pouring gearbox oil onto the clutch but this has been on slightly newer avensis and mainly on the 6 speed but not unheard of on a 5 speed. I have never come across fly wheel failure on avensis but i have changed 20+ on rav4 not to say that its not the fly wheel.

[Cyker]

When I was having weird clutch engagement problems, it turned out the release bearing had cooked its grease and the diaphragm spring was shot.

If your dealer changed the clutch on the cheap, they may not have replaced all four parts (Friction plate, clutch cover/diaphragm spring, release bearing and slave cylinder).

It may also be the flywheel tho'; I've never owned a car long enough for there to be significant wear on the flywheel!

[Druid Boy]

Very unlikely to be the flywheel.

[o4avensis]

Guys, thanks for the info. It would be a great relief if it wasn't the flywheel, as I have been quoted £290 + vat for the flywheel alone - and then it needs fitting!

Cyker,your theory sounds plausible as this happened during the recent very cold/snowy weather and the car had been slipping about plenty in the snow and ice. It could be that the release bearing or other components might have overheated.

Have been quoted £150+vat for full clutch replacement kit and £100 to fit (which I think seems very reasonable as I believe it is a difficult job on avensis!) If no other parts necessary I will be happy enough - especially if the flywheel is intact.

Thanks again, and I will let you know the outcome.

[Cyker]

That's !Removed! good!

I paid just under £400 to get it done on my Yaris!