V6 5-spd clutch problems

[guest]

My 02 Solara has had clutch problems and now the dealership is taking the position that what I consider to be an unresolved problem is just the way the clutch is on the V6 Solara. Since these cars are somewhat rare I have no means of comparison. When starting from a standstill in 1st gear the car shudders as the clutch engages. This is not just a vibration through the pedal, but an actual shaking of the whole car. It is worst when I don't use a lot of rpm, only 1500 or so. It did this very mildly when new and got progressively worse. The clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and flywheel were replaced under warranty, and the mechanic acknowledged that the flywheel was warped. Even with the new parts, the problem persists and is much worse than when the car was new.

Does anyone else with a V6 manual experience a similar shaking.

As background, there are less than 6000 miles on the car, I haven't abused it, and I've driven manual transmission vehicles for 20 years.

Thanks for the input.

[Kenn157]

No shaking here.

[nkx1]

I've never had any shaking. From what you decribe it would be pretty noticable if I did. The only thing I can think of that would cause that is operator error, like giving too little gas or something when disengaging the clutch. But since you've been driving stick for 20 years, obviously that can be eliminated as a problem, so it's got to be something mechanical. You may want to try just taking it to other dealers in your area until someone can fix the problem.

[20SoLaRa02]

i have a 2002 v6 stick and i have no problem as of yet with what i hear from u. i have 9000 miles. also one thing i notice is that when i shift gears when my car is not warmed up it goes into each gear very hard. it's some times loud too. but as soon as my car warms up it goes into gear with no trouble. n e one have this problem? also sometimes i think my clutch feels funny especially after i race....so i'm cutting down now. also i've been driving stick for 3 years straight and i've taken my car down the legel tracks to race.....so i'm not exactly the best driver but i haven't had to much problems yet wit my clutch.... if that helps u..good luck

Michael

[Flipside909]

Sounds like you have an isolated problem. No shaking here unless I don't give it enough gas...usually happens right before it dies out at 500rpm or less. I'm at 67500 miles on my 99 SE V6 with original clutch and brake pads too!

[cdssolara]

I don't particularly like the engagement with the stock Solara clutch, and I have burned it a couple of times on steep hills. I think it's a pretty weak link in an otherwise great car, and will soon be replacing it with something better.

Your situation sounds like something completely isolated, though. I have never had that kind of shaking/vibrating experience.

[Flipside909]

I don't particularly like the engagement with the stock Solara clutch, and I have burned it a couple of times on steep hills. I think it's a pretty weak link in an otherwise great car, and will soon be replacing it with something better.

Yay Carlo is back! How was the trip? BTW, I drove a friend around the city this past Saturday...and I remembered NOT to tackle Lombard Street headed straight on to crooked street. I went up to Hyde (or Mason...i forgot) Street instead and just turned right into the crooked street. hehe.

[cdssolara]

Ryan - Do you have a crystal ball? How did you know I was gone?

Anyway, Thailand was great- hot and humid, but great!

Yes, it is Hyde St., but when there are a lot of tourists, the SFPD won't let you go that route. You have to come straight up Lombard St. I tried it again with just my wife in the car, and the clutch started burning again. I will be replacing it soon with Clutchmasters Stage 3.

Send me an e-mail and let me know what's up with you.

[Flipside909]

Ryan - Do you have a crystal ball? How did you know I was gone?

Send me an e-mail and let me know what's up with you.

Hahaha, remember you told me that you were leaving after you made a quick trip down here (and I was there at the same time).

I will e-mail you soon!

[Guest]

My 02 Solara has had clutch problems and now the dealership is taking the position that what I consider to be an unresolved problem is just the way the clutch is on the V6 Solara. Since these cars are somewhat rare I have no means of comparison. When starting from a standstill in 1st gear the car shudders as the clutch engages. This is not just a vibration through the pedal, but an actual shaking of the whole car. It is worst when I don't use a lot of rpm, only 1500 or so. It did this very mildly when new and got progressively worse. The clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and flywheel were replaced under warranty, and the mechanic acknowledged that the flywheel was warped. Even with the new parts, the problem persists and is much worse than when the car was new.

Does anyone else with a V6 manual experience a similar shaking.

As background, there are less than 6000 miles on the car, I haven't abused it, and I've driven manual transmission vehicles for 20 years.

Thanks for the input.

I have a 99 Solara SE and have a similiar problem. In October 2002 (about 72,000 kms) the clutch started slipping - when acceletating the revs would jump up before engaging (this is with the clutch out). At this point there was no problem with shuddering, nor had there ever been. The local Toyota dealer replaced the clutch (Toyota remanufactured part) and machined the flywheel. I was back in the next day for another issue and after moving my car, the service rep said the clutch was not operating properly. He said he would order another one and schedule it for replacement the following week. I contrinue to drive it for a couple of days and noticed the shuddering which was getting worse. Before the scheduled appointment, something started burning so I took it in. Within a few more days, it had another clutch and the flywheel machined again. I thought that was the end of it. Two months later (about 3000 kms), the shuddering starting getting very noticible, especially downshifting and starting off in 1st. They replaced the clutch (again) and installed a new flywheel. They said the old one was cracked - not sure why, but they suspect a machine shop problem. Anyway, the shudder is still there just like when I took it in three days ago. They admit it is still a problem but don't know what to do. They are waiting to hear back from Toyota Canada as to whether this is a known problem and recommendation on what to do next.

Very frustrating experience. Once (if?) I find out the problem, I will post the info here.

[Guest]

My 02 Solara has had clutch problems and now the dealership is taking the position that what I consider to be an unresolved problem is just the way the clutch is on the V6 Solara. Since these cars are somewhat rare I have no means of comparison. When starting from a standstill in 1st gear the car shudders as the clutch engages. This is not just a vibration through the pedal, but an actual shaking of the whole car. It is worst when I don't use a lot of rpm, only 1500 or so. It did this very mildly when new and got progressively worse. The clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and flywheel were replaced under warranty, and the mechanic acknowledged that the flywheel was warped. Even with the new parts, the problem persists and is much worse than when the car was new.

Does anyone else with a V6 manual experience a similar shaking.

As background, there are less than 6000 miles on the car, I haven't abused it, and I've driven manual transmission vehicles for 20 years.

Thanks for the input.

I have a 99 Solara SE and have a similiar problem. In October 2002 (about 72,000 kms) the clutch started slipping - when acceletating the revs would jump up before engaging (this is with the clutch out). At this point there was no problem with shuddering, nor had there ever been. The local Toyota dealer replaced the clutch (Toyota remanufactured part) and machined the flywheel. I was back in the next day for another issue and after moving my car, the service rep said the clutch was not operating properly. He said he would order another one and schedule it for replacement the following week. I contrinue to drive it for a couple of days and noticed the shuddering which was getting worse. Before the scheduled appointment, something started burning so I took it in. Within a few more days, it had another clutch and the flywheel machined again. I thought that was the end of it. Two months later (about 3000 kms), the shuddering starting getting very noticible, especially downshifting and starting off in 1st. They replaced the clutch (again) and installed a new flywheel. They said the old one was cracked - not sure why, but they suspect a machine shop problem. Anyway, the shudder is still there just like when I took it in three days ago. They admit it is still a problem but don't know what to do. They are waiting to hear back from Toyota Canada as to whether this is a known problem and recommendation on what to do next.

Very frustrating experience. Once (if?) I find out the problem, I will post the info here.

[Yanks0114]

Geez thats crazy. Have you done any mods to your solara? and how hard do you drive. BTW You are the rolemodel guest/member because you used the search function. Good Luck

[cdssolara]

Yes, definitely let us know what happens. Your experience sounds really unfortunate. I had my clutch and flywheel replaced as an upgrade, but the old stock ones appeared to still be in good shape. I don't have any use for them, so they're just sitting around in my garage. If you would like them, let me know. I replaced them 3 or 4 months ago at about 20,000 miles.

[adam2562]

mine shakes stoo but i have 106k on my car but all it is on my car is i need to either get my flywheel machined or get a new one...