2012 hilux clutch failure

[Shipo]

The clutch in my vehicle has just failed at 51000 km and Toyota warranty people reckon its due to abuse, surprise surprise. I smelt this clutch from new and decided it was due to it still burning in. I have only had it on L4 a couple of times and am not in the habit of doing burnouts, but the clutch plate has worn down to the transverse slots. To keep my warranty and I don't know why as they are reluctant to give me warranty on the original clutch, I have had to let them fit original parts, but the part numbers are different, so I expect they know there's a problem and they're not letting on and they are using the consumer as guinea pigs. Oh, by the way, the repair also includes replacing the flywheel, which in my opinion doesn't look too bad.

[Manxman]

it's too late now, but I would've checked the clutch freeplay adjustment first. Does your better half drive it in high heels? Causes much troubles. Do you drive with foot on clutch pedal-likewise. is rear seal ok? Flywheels are damned expensive, they'll usually re-machine to a fair depth. was there something caught in the plate material, gouging the surface &, reducing the contact area? you should have heard that. Bad clutches do happen, but they are very rare. Warranty is sometimes difficult to determine-tho' I'd always hope to get the benefit of doubt. Then there are corrupt dealers/mechanics-don't start me on them. They are a major reason why I diy stuff.

NB It doesn't take a lot to burn out a clutch, partic if you are inexperienced with 4wd.

Edited June 24, 2014 by Manxman