Throw Out Bearing Covered by Warranty?

Howdy All!

I have begun to hear a screeching/whirring noise when I depress the clutch. Truck is a 2020 with 34,000kms (21,500miles). Friend who owns a shop had a listen to it and quickly determined it is the throw out bearing. Truck is booked in at the dealership next Monday so I want to know what to expect. I have reviewed the warranty booklet which states "Transmission/Transaxle case and all internal parts" are covered while the only exclusion I see refers to the "clutch lining". My friend seems to think it is likely they will warranty the throw out bearing and labor but will charge me the cost of a new clutch, which he highly recommends me replacing while they have everything apart. Anyone MT dudes experience this before?

 

The warranty will cover the failed bearing, but not the other worn components. He is right if you want that changed it would be on you. I would pay the difference and get it done while they are in there.

 

At 21.5k, it would be crazy to replace a clutch that young, esp at dealer prices.

That said, the other bad news is that a dealer might pin a worn TOB on you. They would have no proof, but could say that you were riding the clutch (abuse).


Just thinking the worst here.

 

I'm just considering with the labor involved it, it may be worth getting done as I plan to keep this truck for as long as I can. If it does come to this I assume they would allow me to see the old clutch as confirmation there is wear from whatever they accuse me of? Truck has been taken well care of and Toyota service and warranty has done me very well but I have concerns when it comes to something like this. Thanks for the input!

 

No need to change a clutch that early, don't waste your money on it unless they inspect it and find some reason to change it. Changing it now would be like replacing your brakes at your first tire rotation, not really a point to it.

 

You're welcome.

I have had a few carbon fiber clutches in the past. My guess is that the wear from new is likely not measurable. It isn't so much the labor, but the parts cost. You would likely pay less to have your friend do just the TOB. Some prices were noted in other threads a while back.

 

I was told the same thing many years ago with a different vehicle when my slave cylinder gave out at 33k miles. It was an 15 plus year old vehicle that wasn't driven much. I did the work myself (clutch, slave cylinder and throw out bearing) and the clutch was just fine and it was a bit of waste of money.

The trans has to be dropped either way to replace these components so it's up to you if you want to pay more for a fresh clutch. I'll guarantee the labor will be triple if not more what the parts cost.

 

UPDATE: The truck went back in this morning as the noise is persisting and in typical fashion, did not present itself during the last visit. The service advisor just called and said they were able to verify the noise and will replace the throw out bearing under warranty. If the clutch is in need of replacement, which they doubt, I will be responsible for which is understandable. The truck is re-booked for Dec 28th to get the work done.

This experience makes me glad that I bought a Toyota. The wife's new 2021 Grand Cherokee goes back into the service dept. this week to see if they can come to a conclusion why it is consuming a gallon of coolant every 2-3 months with no evidence of a leak. Dodge service has been dodgy... at best.

 

Might be a headgasket

 

That is my fear and being a Pentastar, is not outside the realm of possibility. I told her she should have bought a Toyota!

 

Good news! Unless the bearing was completely locked up and started cutting into the pressure plate fingers, your clutch is probably fine (I had one do that years ago). But I'd at least ask what the additional parts/labor cost would be and see if they can give you an idea of how worn the current one is and make the call then. If it is half worn, might be worth it to just do it now.

 

Service advisor is working on the price of the clutch kit. If there is any doubt with the clutch, I want it replaced whilst there. Does make me wonder though, if the fly wheel would also need to be machined if I were to have the clutch replaced?

 

Like others mentioned your clutch is probably fine. But I guess that does depend on how it was treated

Here is a picture of my flywheel after cleaning it by hand a little with a scotch bright pad. At this time my truck had 18,000 miles on it. The clutch disk and pressure plate also looked new.

 

Unless it is glazed or marred, which is doubtful, I wouldn't think it would need to be resurfaced.

 

As long as the release bearing wasn't seizing up on the quill and constantly pushing on the clutch the flywheel should be fine

 

Just some info for those interested. New OE clutch kit $1,000 CAD, new OE flywheel $1,100 CAD. If flywheel can be machined in house $153.00. Only .5 hours labor extra to install flywheel and clutch. Service advisor said it is highly unlikely clutch will need to be replaced. Engagement is just as it was new.

 

Ouch! RockAuto has the Aisin kit for $250 including the throw-out bearing. Usually they are the OEM supplier, but not sure. I assume they will just measure the thickness of the friction plate (labor to remove the clutch to inspect the flywheel would be the same as installing new parts), and it is likely just fine.

 

If you do the clutch and are paying on it, you have the right to the old one. I would keep it as proof of the wear, and it might make a good replacement if you need another one in 100k miles?

 

No offense but replacing a clutch at 21k is absurd. It’s likely got 90% life left if driven normally. Spend that $$ paying off your truck.

 

Just got confirmation this morning that the head gasket is toast. Only 25,000kms (15,000miles) on it. She now wants a 4Runner!