OK so let me start by saying that I'm an idiot and just get that out of the way. I've been having some clutch trouble on my '99 Frontier 4x4 V-6 for a while now. Shuttering/hopping when taking off in first, slipped once or twice when getting on it hard while climbing hills, and then there's the mystery squeal... You know, the usual. So I know that I should have checked/ replaced it a long time ago but a busy schedule and life in general, combined with plenty of procrastination and I've come to my present situation. The shuttering/hopping I'm pretty sure is caused by a worn clutch disc. The squeal happens in neutral with the clutch out. As soon as the clutch is pushed in, even a hair, it stops. My first thought was throw-out bearing. Then today I got in the truck, pushed the clutch to the floor, shifted to first, and when I eased the clutch out to take-off, it only came out about two inches from the floor and started squealing constantly whether the clutch was in or not. I attempted to nurse it along and make it home with only two inches of clutch travel, but within about a half mile two inches turned into an inch at that point I couldn't get enough pedal movement to engage the clutch for shifting. I had to abandon her in a parking lot. During this 1/2 mile limp, I did try to accelerate in second and had no clutch slippage. Now, what confuses me is this: If my clutch is shot I would not be suprised but I would expect more slipping. My other thought was the clutch hydraulics: master or slave. Please let me know if this sounds like something that I can fix by replacing the clutch disc, pressure-plate, and bearing or if I'm looking at replacing master/slave cylinders as well.

Thanx in advance,
RoHo

P.S. I apologize, I know that there have been some other posts similar to this but I couldn't really find the answer I'm looking for.

Regardless of any other issues, you need to replace your clutch, pressure plate and t-bearing. Also, if you were slipping that clutch quite a bit, I recommend that you resurface your flywheel.

Once you have done all that, you will find out if your master and/or slave cylinder is bad.

From your description it sounds to me like your throwout bearing and/or pilot bushing (not sure if the later trucks have those) is on it's way out, and either or both your slave/master clutch cylinders is junk. You can probably get it home by fixing the hydraulics, but like Chico said you're due for a new clutch and components.

-Spike

From the description. you need a new clutch kit. I would further go-ahead and say your slave cylinder is shot to.

If your slave is shot I would replace the master cyl. It's recommended but not required..

LordBiotre, I'm in JAX as well. Any idea, where would be the cheapest place to get parts? I called the local dealership and they said $210 for disc, PP, T.O. bearing. They don't have it in stock and it would get here Thurs. or Fri.

quote:

RoHo

Sent PM

Alright, so I've been working on this thing for the last two days. I really intended to have it done faster but the facility I'm using closes at 5. Well, good news first, clutch hydraulics seem to be in perfect working order, the clutch disc was worn but not to the rivets, and therefor the flywheel is absolutely beautiful, not a scratch! Now the bad news, the throw-out bearing was completely shredded. I mean this thing really hand-grenaded. There were peices everywhere. The sqealing mentioned earlier was apparently caused by the remains of the throw-out bearing pushing against the fingers of the pressure plate until they eventually wore all the way through! The dead pedal seems to have been caused by the lack of pressure plate springs pushing back against the throw-out bearing. I guess it could have been a lot worse. Let this be a lesson to anyone thinking about procrastinating on a job like this. I wasn't thinking about it when I left but I'm going to go back and fish the pressure plate out of the trash for some pictures.

I have a Calmini 3" lift and new 33" wheels and tires sitting in the garage waiting for install so I'm sure I'll be in need of advice again very soon. Thanks for all the help. You guys rock!!!

I had a clutch plate blow the springs out once. The springs wedged between the clutch plate and the flywheel and you couldnt disengage the clutch. Was really interesting trying to drive that around.

Sounds like you lucked out though. A new clutch kit and it should be good as new!

One thing to check though. If the flywheel has blue spots (burn marks) on it, you'll need to have it resurfaced, or else the chatter will come back.