Stiff/Squeaky clutch on MK11 D-4D Avensis 2.0L 2005

[ImaginaryAsh]

Hello i'm looking for some advice on fixing my clutch for my 2005 MK11 2.0L D-4D Avensis. The clutch does not slip at all and i can change gears smoothly. The problems are 1) The clutch is very high off the ground 2) It is quite stiff and heavy 3) It's very squeaky (has been oiled by mechanic but squeak returns)

I would like to know if replacing the clutch will solve the problem or do i need the flywheel as well? I would appreciate some help from experienced members. The car is probably on it's first clutch and has done 71k miles. Thanks

[Cyker]

It may be the clutch plate is fine but the release bearing and/or diaphragm spring are shot; My first Yaris had that problem because (we suspect) the previous owner was one of those people who sat in traffic with the clutch pushed in all the time instead of going into neutral!

The symptoms were it wasn't slipping at all during normal use, even under hard acceleration, but when moving off, esp. up a hill, it wouldn't really grip until I'd practically let go of the clutch - If it wasn't a diesel it probably would have stalled a lot!

When we took it out the friction plate had a ring of wear around the outer edge  rather than across the whole face (The inner parts still had 'a lot of meat' on them as my mechanic said!), and the finger springs on the pressure plate were half-collapsed on one side which was contributing to the even engagement.

Sadly there's no way of knowing for sure until someone's had it out which will cost the same as getting it replaced; If it's that bad and there's no evidence of it being replaced in a looong time, may as well get it done if you intend to keep the car!
 

[Konrad C]

From experience of having clutches changed on two petrol Avensis, 1.8 7Afe leanburn and 1.8 Valvematic. After clutch replacement in both cases, the clutch pedal is a lot lighter, though biting point does not change that much - pedal still high. Feel improves.
As Cyker has already said, a strip down will be needed to see what state the car is in. I know what he says about drivers using the clutch instead putting the car into neutral. That stresses the bearing, which is avoided. Last year when I had the clutch changed on the Valvematic, it only slipped at extreme revs or changing up under extreme acceleration. Then there is the squeak. Is the squeak in the cabin when you press the pedal, or the when the pedal is release and the engine at idle, the squeak is coming from the transmission. When the is pressed does the squeak disappears? That mean the thrust bearing is could be the problem. Again it is a dismantling job.  

[avensisd4d786]

Heavy clutch-

either master cylinder- cheaper option 

or forks on the pressure plate worn out- not worth doing the clutch without the flywheel, if flywheel goes means taking the gearbox off again.