clutch needs to be replaced

[khalsa]

Hey guys, my clutch seems to be going bad on my manual 02 solara. While in gear and during acceleration, rpms go flying and power doesn't get to the wheels. From what I've read it must be my clutch!

Money is tight right now and my friend that used to do side work doesn't anymore due to a back injury. Does anyone know the best place for me to get a cheap clutch?

Can any locals with experience replace my clutch for me? Just let me know how much to pay you.

I've never been to a mechanic as I've been able to fix most of my problems w/ help from forums (solaraguy, here, etc)-- and I wouldn't know who to trust (or if I could afford them). I've received quotes just under 1k, but that is a bit high for me.

Thanks! If you can help, send me a PM or whatever and I will send you my e-mail address.

I'm in MD near Olney.

Any advice is appreciated.

[Dave-o]

it aint cheap to even do it yourself, regular price for an oem clutch kit goes around 200 bucks without the flywheel

[khalsa]

Originally Posted by Dave-o

it aint cheap to even do it yourself, regular price for an oem clutch kit goes around 200 bucks without the flywheel

that's still quite a bit less than 1k. how much is a flywheel approx?

thanks!

[JohnGD]

Aisin is the OEM manufacturer, so OP can get the said aftermarket kit for $215.79+shipping.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1871474

Check with Transtar Industries or a dealer member on TN (ToyotaPartsMan) for the flywheel.
http://www.transtar1.com/locations.asp

Transtar Beltsville, Maryland
6405 Ammendale Road
Beltsville, MD 20705

Phone: 301-931-2496
Fax: 301-931-7011
Toll Free: 800-878-4249

I'd look on ATRA member shop finder for a local shop. Some may be better than others however, so call around and ask for references. For example, a quick search shows the following.

http://www.atra.com/shopfinder

Montgomery / BCC Transmissions Inc (Approx. 6.84 miles.)
501 E Gude Dr
Rockville, MD 20850-1353
Phone: (301) 251-7000

Trans Tech (Approx. 6.7 miles.)
19314 Woodfield Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20879-4723
Phone: (301) 840-8555

Dorsey Transmission Inc (Approx. 20.66 miles.)
908 Reece Rd
Severn, MD 21144-1855
Phone: (410) 551-4006

KATZMAN Automotive and Transmission (Approx. 22.06 miles.)
23035 Douglas Ct Ste 120
Sterling, VA 20166-9451
Phone: (703) 796-1733

[arabianobsession]

Replacing the clutch is never cheap as it is located (essentially) between your transmission and engine. Many places, for the ease of doing it, will actually remove the engine and/or transmission completely out of the vehicle to get the job done. Hence, the majority of the cost is in labor.

[khalsa]

thanks guys.
i think i'm going to have to take this to a mechanic.

should i have the mechanic do anything while he's replacing the clutch?

i figure i will save a few bucks on labor if he already has everything taken apart.
i'm at around 60k and due for some maintenance.
thanks!

[Glenn8963]

Originally Posted by khalsa

thanks guys.
i think i'm going to have to take this to a mechanic.

should i have the mechanic do anything while he's replacing the clutch?

i figure i will save a few bucks on labor if he already has everything taken apart.
i'm at around 60k and due for some maintenance.
thanks!

1) clutch

2) pressure plate

3) throw out bearing

4) flywheel

5) clutch cable..(??)

or...

clutch slave cylinder..??

i do not know if that car has a typical clutch cable or slave cylinder, which the slave cylinder would be "hydraulic".. after many years of using the clutch, i would replace the slave cylinder or the cable...that's an awful lot of work, to have either one of those go bad after the job is done


since the engine/trans-axle has to come out, change the fluid in the trans-axle, and change the motor oil/filter and since the cooling system has to be drained, maybe do a flush..???

it's all the usual amount of work, but being done all at once...plus it's like an "insurance policy"....fix it now, so it don't break later...

[JMSinMD]

They have a good rep in the area;
http://www.gbt-online.com/home

http://www.jimjenningstransmissions.com/

[JohnGD]

Consider changing out the rear main seal while things are apart. And change out the brake fluid. Use Castrol GT LMA or Valvoline Synthetic. Both are Low Moisture Activity fluids. Replace the gear oil with Redline MT90 75W-90 or some like to use Amsoil.

[bronzemaxell]

i am in the process of changing my solara clutch and transmission as well,
i got everything from stealership except the flywheel.
just the clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing will cost $200 after discount.
i've noticed the re-manufactured clutch disc, pressure plate is made by asin, throw out bearing and rear main seal made by koyo

initially i machined the flywheel, but then changed my mind and bought the new fidanza flywheel instead.

i also recommend you changing the differential axle shaft seals as well

[BlackG5]

I'm planning on going with an ACT street clutch... Hopefully its not bad for DD... I'm at 190k now on my stock clutch and it still holds well but I want something beefy when I replace it, just in case the PTuning built motor/GT30R turbo kit get installed