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Clutch Problem

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by runner123, Apr 17, 2019.

  1. Apr 17, 2019 at 10:05 AM
    #1
    runner123

    runner123 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Rob
    Vehicle:
    99 4runner
    Stock
    On my '99 with manual trans, I need some help to understand where the spring mechanism is located that returns the clutch pedal after each clutch action. The strange symptom that I am dealing with is that sometime the clutch behaves normally; sometimes I have a problem engaging into first gear; sometimes the pedal doesn't return (have to reach down and pull it back up). Is this likely as simple as a spring or is it the hydraulics or - worse case scenario - is it something in the clutch itself? Any help is much appreciated!
     
  2. Apr 30, 2019 at 6:18 AM
    #2
    Toyotayoda

    Toyotayoda New Member

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    Atlanta area
    Vehicle:
    1997 SR5 4x4, 302k and counting
    Tacoma whip, 99 console box, tru trac., steering wheel, PWMS and HVAC control out of a 99.
    the pedal not returning is likely due to a leaking hydraulic system, best bet is to replace the clutch master and Slave cylinders at the same time.
     
    98RoadRunner likes this.
  3. May 1, 2019 at 4:31 AM
    #3
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    Way more complicated than a "spring."
     
  4. May 20, 2019 at 12:51 PM
    #4
    98RoadRunner

    98RoadRunner New Member

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    Tyler
    Vehicle:
    1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - Standard
    Same exact issue with mine and Toyotayoda is right, had both (clutch master and slave cylinder) replaced and it runs like a champ.
     
  5. May 21, 2019 at 11:19 AM
    #5
    runner123

    runner123 [OP] New Member

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    Rob
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    99 4runner
    Stock
    Thanks for the feedback. I did replace the master & slave cylinders - I'm sure the seals were breaking down and it was time to change out these parts. However I still am having occasional problems with the pedal not returning - it requires just a little help to "pop" it back up. So as a follow-on question (and just to verify my assumption) is it correct to say that the force to return the clutch pedal comes from the clutch pressure plate diaphragm springs? So if the clutch pedal is not returning does that mean that the pressure plate does not have the necessary spring pressure?
     
  6. Sep 4, 2019 at 3:01 PM
    #6
    yota84

    yota84 New Member

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    Male
    Vehicle:
    '99 Imperial Mica Jade 4Runner
    Hey there runner123, I'm having the same problem after replacing both master and slave cylinders. I'm thinking that maybe the return spring for the clutch pedal is either weakened or the plastic bushings that attached the spring to the bracket have to be replaced. Your thoughts?
     

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