Sound when depressing/releasing clutch

[hora]

Basically when stationary it's faintly audable. A sort of 'shill' sound if that makes sense? It's as I depress/release clutch.

It could happen at other times but theengine/wind could hide the sound. Could it just be linkage or egr related? Car is still under 12months main dealer warranty. It's a 07 1.8 petrol. 

[gazza1286]

Typically that is the sound of a worn clutch release bearing. It could continue like that for 10k miles or could fail totally much sooner. A complete clutch replacement will solve the problem as the gearbox needs to come off. 

Good job you have a warranty. 

How many miles on the clock? A Toyota  clutch from new will usually last more than 100k miles. 

[hora]

It's on 58k currently. Full main dealer history.

[gazza1286]

Fairly low miles. Service history won't be relevant with clutch wear if it is the release bearing. It's unlikely to have been previously changed with such low miles.  Get someone to activate the clutch (engine running) while you look in the engine bay at the clutch fork. It's around knee height just behind the radiator slightly nearside of the centre line of the vehicle. 

The noise should synchronise with the clutch activation.

Unfortunately there isn't any serviceable parts or procedure to rectify the fault (if it is that) so don't allow the dealer to tell you otherwise. A complete clutch is the only option. If the garage suggest just swapping the bearing if the clutch plate is only partially worn you should be prepared to pay the difference yourself as a new clutch and cover plate shouldn't incur any additional labour costs. A reputable garage shouldn't really have such a penny-pinching attitude so hopefully they will do the right thing and cover the total cost themselves. 

Good luck. 

[hora]

Thank you, on the phone the service manager said a clutch release bearing is a wear and tear item?

[gazza1286]

As I said it could last some time. But I would get the garage to confirm the diagnosis first. The cost for a genuine part and dealership labour costs would be crippling. There's nothing special about swapping clutches on an Avensis so any reputable garage could be trusted with the job. Pattern/after-market parts are just as good as the genuine article and significantly cheaper. 

[buzlby]

Have a look at this