Question From Dutch Cts Owner

[spwolf]

CTS03 - if you wait when changing gears like that you will simply not let the syncros do their work properly and hence the difficulty changing gears afterwards - thats why easiest change when driving quickly is to half depress the clutch and shift quickly and it will seem soo natural. There is always an possibility that something was installed badly by your mech or of course that clutch hasnt been adjusted to your liking.

As to the "noise" problem, it is due to the lightweight design and size of the gearbox. All of them after a while make those small noises, it is perfectly normal - only reason you cant see that on Celica's sites is because it is considered normal and it is actually louder than on Celica than CTS since Celica has a lot less soundproofing materials. I cant believe some dealers went through so much work to "fix" it.

As to the clutch - CTS clutch is extremly strong when compared to the engine. It is rated up to 250nm with safety up to 280nm, while the engine itself can only produce 180nm. Someone posted somewhere that it is weak and now everyone from the forums went to replace it... ooops :-).

[CTS03]

Hi spwolf, thanks for the useful comments.

I would like to also have your opinion on the following thoughts:

I consider possible a non-optimum clutch adjustment. I think that adjustment should compromise two opposite things: (a) easy disengagement of the disk when the clutch is pressed and (B) full-strong engagement of the disk when the clutch is depressed. In my case, priority might have been given to the second because of my previous easy burning problem. But do the mechanics have sufficient freedom to adjust the “travel” of the clutch to optimize both? And would this adjustment be stable? (I do notice differences between days and outside temperatures).

I also think that most cases of replacing clutches for mechanical sounds would not be needed.

[spwolf]

Hi spwolf, thanks for the useful comments.

I would like to also have your opinion on the following thoughts:

I consider possible a non-optimum clutch adjustment. I think that adjustment should compromise two opposite things: (a) easy disengagement of the disk when the clutch is pressed and (B) full-strong engagement of the disk when the clutch is depressed. In my case, priority might have been given to the second because of my previous easy burning problem. But do the mechanics have sufficient freedom to adjust the “travel” of the clutch to optimize both? And would this adjustment be stable? (I do notice differences between days and outside temperatures).

I also think that most cases of replacing clutches for mechanical sounds would not be needed.

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problem is that I dont know what do you consider as hard for changing gears. WHen it is cold, your gearbox oil isnt heated up and obviously it wont move as smoothly as when it is wormed up, but in general I find CTS gear change quality smooth when warm and only a bit notchy when cold... Maybe you should try getting an heaver gearknob for better feel, CTS gearknob is quite light and you might get quite better feel with heavier knob. Also, you might want to grease the linkage and gates a bit (easy job for your mechanic), but again it is all from top of my head, and there is no real way to know what exactly do you mean.

It is also possible that they tuned the clutch so it doesnt grab as much due to your previous complaint and hence you get a bit notchier work, but i really wouldnt know how hard would it be to adjust the clutch on CTS... Talk to your dealer for your info....

[SKG]

CTS03, wgy don't you try some of these excellent gearbox additives such as slik or liqui moly. They do help a lot...

[eep2nw]

finally solved... it's the damn clutch... no problems since..

[thecanadian]

Just had my 20K miles major service. Nothing out of the ordinary. (just need to new front tyres - too aggressive in the corners I guess).

However, I still have the noises when decelerating in 2nd 3rd and 4th gears. My dealership has been good to me and after several complaints they have got the go-ahead from Toyota to take apart the clutch and gearbox and, to replace items as necessary.

It goes in on the 10th of Jan. Will keep you posted.