63,000 and throwout bearing ruined everything

[Packofcrows]

Originally Posted by jsalaz03

Hey would the clutch bearing be covered under warrenty? just wondering thanks

Nope. Not common to be covered....but:

Mine was covered because:

1) I took in car for rattles at 18k. Dealer brushed me off.
2) 2nd time i take car in for vibrations now and harsh 1st and 3rd gear. Dealer said it was normal.
3) I kept records of all the paperwork and who I spoke with at this dealer.
4) I got on forums here and thanks to many members, we kinda leaned towards a bad TOB. I also went on to Honda forums and accurately associated my symptoms to what they also had, where in their case turned out to be a bad TOB.
5) Called Toyota/Scion HQ in LA and was lucky enough to speak to a techy and a PR(?) person. They said to ask dealer various things and asked me for my VIN.
6) Took to dealer for 3rd time on this specific issue. Car now almost 22k. They confirmed it was TOB.
7) My car under 22k, less than 36 months ownership, I had brought car in for past 3-4 months. They were also nicer after I fixed one of their computers lol....

So yeah.

Because it is a bearing, it is considered a wear item. IMO call Toyota and explain your situation first.

[pantdino]

Originally Posted by Packofcrows

Nope. Not common to be covered....but:

Mine was covered because:

1) I took in car for rattles at 18k. Dealer brushed me off.
2) 2nd time i take car in for vibrations now and harsh 1st and 3rd gear. Dealer said it was normal.
3) I kept records of all the paperwork and who I spoke with at this dealer.
4) I got on forums here and thanks to many members, we kinda leaned towards a bad TOB. I also went on to Honda forums and accurately associated my symptoms to what they also had, where in their case turned out to be a bad TOB.
5) Called Toyota/Scion HQ in LA and was lucky enough to speak to a techy and a PR(?) person. They said to ask dealer various things and asked me for my VIN.
6) Took to dealer for 3rd time on this specific issue. Car now almost 22k. They confirmed it was TOB.
7) My car under 22k, less than 36 months ownership, I had brought car in for past 3-4 months. They were also nicer after I fixed one of their computers lol....

So yeah.

Because it is a bearing, it is considered a wear item. IMO call Toyota and explain your situation first.

The idea that it is not covered because it is a bearing is disingenuous. If so the main, rod, camshaft, water pump, alternator, etc , etc bearings would not be covered.

[BlaineWasHere]

I have 115k on my trans and it still works like new.


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[thambu19]

Folks: I am starting to believe that performing the clutch pedal adjustment shown in this video [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zr_ogcPOPY"]how to adjust clutch BRZ FRS GT86 - YouTube[/ame] and this video [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScZFQ0j5beY"]BRZ/FR-S Clutch Pedal Adjustment DIY - YouTube[/ame]
will increase the life of the throwout bearing. This is how.
1. The current clutch travel is more than what is needed to release the clutch
2. This increases the finger spring deflection more than necessary for clutch actuation
3. The higher the spring deflection the higher the force
4. The force is taken by the bearing. So with the engine spinning at the same speed the bearing has to dissipate more heat due to additional friction from additional force.

So by adjusting the clutch we are effectively reducing the movement of the slave cylinder and hence the throwout bearing and if done right we can find the right balance. If there is too less of movement we are burning up the clutch disk and if there is too much movement we are burning up the throwout bearing.

As always I want to know what you folks think.

[humfrz]

...........and I'll say it again ......

I'm thinking that most of the time most of us should just leave the factory clutch adjustment alone!

Clutch wear will be compensated for by the clutch system.

I would suggest for those that don't like the disengagement point, just adjust your leg or your expectation.


humfrz

[thambu19]

What makes you think that the clutch mechanism should not be adjusted? This has been done for decades.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by thambu19

What makes you think that the clutch mechanism should not be adjusted? This has been done for decades.

Yep, that's true ...... I have been adjusting clutches for over 6 decades ......

However, the difference being, that back in the day, most of us, that were adjusting clutches, knew what we were doing. We had pulled transmissions and replaced clutches, thus we understood how they worked.

Also, the clutch linkage was mechanical and the parts were subject to wear .... thus requiring occasional adjustment. Modern hydraulic clutch systems are more forgiving.

That's my take ........


humfrz

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by thambu19

What makes you think that the clutch mechanism should not be adjusted? This has been done for decades.

1. If there is actually a design issue with the TOB a minor clutch pedal adjustment will have no effect. We could go in circles arguing this point but ultimately, you have a theory, I disagree with it. I could bust out some catalogs and textbooks, explain my reasons, but meh, let's not go there.

2. The TOB is a warranty item.

3. Adjusting the clutch potentially voids the warranty.

4. It is possible to improperly adjust the clutch such that it would be the root cause for TOB failure. I learned this the hard way about 25 years ago.

5. I'm intrigued by what might be a trend but this is far from a foregone conclusion. The overwhelming majority of the owners have no problem with it.

Don't get me wrong. Dig into this forum and you will find I'm a strong advocate for much more than pedal adjustment. The clutch system in its stock form is my ONLY pet peeve with this car.

But I strongly advise against exploring pedal adjustment as a way to prevent TOB failure.

[MaXimus]

Hey,

I had my TOB die at around 60k and argued with the dealer considering my clutch was in great condition.

[Thatguyjeremy]

So I'm at 68k on my 13.. I guess I consider myself a little luck to not have had any issues thus far... Only things I can think of is the occasionally squeaky clutch.. But usually doesn't last long and it goes away.. Oh.. And my stupid driver window when it's freezing or raining.. Loud SOB.

[thambu19]

I adjusted mine yesterday. The clutch is noticeably softer since the spring forces are lower. I also allowed for half an inch to an inch allowance where the clutch is fully disengaged and there is some extra pedal travel to ensure the clutch won't drag. Now I get all your points but being an engineer I feel it will put less pressure on the TOB. I hear that the clutch disk lasts longer than the TOB in this engine (NA applications). I will keep you guys posted. Someone should take that bullet

[fumanchu1]

Originally Posted by Canadian Greg

A lot of people whine and complain on here. It means nothing.
It certainly doesn't explain the failures. Some people simply suck with a clutch.
And for your info wise ass, I worked for years in a bearing factory.
The company considered 1 failure per 100,000 units to be acceptable.
That's 10 per one million. I'll take those odds any day of the week.
I think I'm a lot more "educated" as you put than yourself.

Did you lose any of your bearings while working there because it sure seems you are missing the one that prevents you from sounding like a giant **** and condescending prick. Think I give a shit about your supposed experience in a bearing factory, you could've been a janitor for all we know.

And explain to me how all manufacturers everywhere in the world use the exact same material sources, processes, quality control, employees, supply chain, etc.

I worked in financial fraud and financial security in a specific area and place that does not make me a specialist of financial fraud prevention in the Asian market or Europe. Not every manufacturer uses the same process, machinery, quality control, quality of material, design R&d money and time.

While you do make a point that a lot of the time it is related to driver error/habit one cannot deny that the failure rate on these model year/brand seem to have some inherent flaw as the failure rate is much higher than is supposed. Also they are all going bad around the same mileage which unless you are suggesting everyone drives badly but exactly the same (that all their driving habits/flaws are exactly the same with exactly the same conditions) then I think you need to take that condescending head of yours out of that tunnel you call your ass. Statistically it is much more likely for a flaw/weakness of a part to pass through a somewhat lax QQ than it is to have several hundred people with the exact same flaws in their driving techniques (all ride clutch for first 2.3 seconds with throttle at x%, all keep a constant pressure on the clutch pedal, etc.)

Your argumentation makes no sense from a probability percentage so take a seat back on earth OH mighty one and take your hole.

[pantdino]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Yep, that's true ...... I have been adjusting clutches for over 6 decades ......

However, the difference being, that back in the day, most of us, that were adjusting clutches, knew what we were doing. We had pulled transmissions and replaced clutches, thus we understood how they worked.

Also, the clutch linkage was mechanical and the parts were subject to wear .... thus requiring occasional adjustment. Modern hydraulic clutch systems are more forgiving.

That's my take ........


humfrz

This is true. An hydraulic clutch system self-adjusts for wear.

What is described in the video just adjusts the pedal position. Since most people learn how far they have to push the pedal in to shift without crunching they do not push it all the way to the floor. I guess if someone does this adjustment might help.

[SkAsphalt]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

It should be in my opinion but the second they call it a bearing it becomes a "wear" part.
Is yours a 13? I have already gone past your mileage with my 14 and have not had an issue yet but it is such a common problem on here I think it is just a matter of time (unless they changed something for the14 MY).

My throw out bearing went in less than 20,000 km. I thought my clutch went so I replaced the whole thing with a upgraded exedy clutch. So that was a waste of money