Shifting gears difficult

TRANACRIA

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
2.7L
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
188,000 MILES

My vehicle has the EFI DOHC engine.

Shifting gears is becoming increasingly difficult. The previously smooth transition from gear-to-gear is gone. To shift gears, I must now apply more pressure than normal to the gearshift, and then the change occurs with a slight “bump”. No noise, just the feeling from the gearshift knob. This happens all the time, every time, no matter the gear. There is no clutch slippage. The problem has been very gradual, first noticeable about six months ago. It is the original clutch and I am the original owner.

Replacements? Adjustments? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Yes, it sounds like you have a pilot bearing that is going out which allows the input shaft of the transmissions to stop or slow down turning so you can shift gears. Here is a guide that will show you what I am talking about and give you an idea on what needs to be done to get it fixed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/pilot-bearing-replacement

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-clutch

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/transmission-replacement-removal-manual

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 6:26 PM

TRANACRIA

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Ken,

Thank you for the valuable information. The links were exceptional. This type of repair is beyond my skill level. And while I have a hydraulic jack and ladder jacks, pretty sure I would injure or kill myself trying to remove the transmission.

By the way, I live in southern Italy. The local auto repair shop wants 540 euro ($635.00) to install an OEM clutch kit. That is the total price, parts and installation. How does that price sound to you, based on current US estimates?

Ciao, Tim

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Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 AT 9:21 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Cheap! Make sure they do the disc, pressure plate and resurface the flywheel as well.

Please let us know how the job turns out.

Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 AT 3:44 PM

TRANACRIA

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Ken,

I misspoke. After a short visit to the repair shop today, I discovered the quoted price was for parts only. Mea culpa! My Italian skills are wanting. So, in your expert opinion, what aftermarket brand would you recommend for the clutch kit? I do not normally tow anything, however I do some winter/snow mountain driving. Thanks again for your patience and assistance.

Ciao, Tim

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 8:34 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Okay, then that price for parts is way high. This is a good brand, the clutch is new for $150.00.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B5E8UQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001B5E8UQ&linkId=c3f7af5cefa3669dd84bbcc0880ad65d

Do not let them over charge you, the labor should be no more than $600.00

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 11:01 AM

TRANACRIA

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Ken,

This seems to be the OEM version. Assume it would be worth the extra $35.00?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AISIN-TOYOTA-OE-OEM-CLUTCH-KIT-for-1996-2000-4RUNNER-with-2-7L-4CYL/182686212548?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Ciao, Tim

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

That clutch kit is in California in the USA it's not free shipping to you only the lower 48 states of the USA so you would have to see what the shipping would run to where you live. As f ar as your issue I would say the pressure plate fingers are worn and worn unevenly so only part of the clutch disc release instead of the whole clutch disc. Have seen that happen many times. The clutch kits I like are the luk clutch kits that's the ones I always put in. Rock auto dot com has great prices and shipping prices.I buy lots of parts from them for many years.I even have a 5 percent discount code if your interested.

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 8:54 PM

TRANACRIA

MEMBER
5 POSTS

SATURNTECH9,

Thank you for the information and kind offer. Yes, shipping is always a huge issue for me. That, and the 22-24% VAT that is attached to every product crossing the border. At least the wine is cheap.

During my research, I discovered many, many satisfied Luk customers. So, it is definitely on the list.

Thank you and Ken, again. I'll provide an ending to this saga at its completion.

Ciao, Tim

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Thursday, October 19th, 2017 AT 5:53 AM