Fried clutch . . . Can I fix this myself? or take it to a shop?

[datsa]

While driving with a heavy load up a steep hill in 1st gear, I noticed a loss of power. Car continued to run, however, but much weaker, much less torque. Later, on the freeway, noticed a burning smell, and pulled over, opened the hood to find smoke coming from the clutch part of the transmission. Diagnosis: fried clutch.

Frankly, this was not unexpected. I'd been having trouble shifting into reverse over the past month or so. The car has nearly 202,000 miles on it and the original clutch. The engine did not overheat; in fact, the temperature gauge did not budge.

I wonder if I can fix this myself: I thought about going to a junkyard to get another clutch or order one online but because I have the 4WD Corolla, the clutch appears to be different and not common among junkyards -- at least, there are aftermarket clutch kits for these Corollas only; however, it appears that only some of the parts are unique. When I look up the appropriate part # (for clutch disc, clutch cover, fork, bearing, support, etc.), I find that some part #'s cover parts for other model years, some fairly recent.

I am also making the rounds to local repair shops.
I considered going to the local Toyota dealer, but they'll probably try to sell me on a new car, which I don't want. If I can find another Corolla (maybe a 2WD version) around the cost of a clutch repair and that is as reliable as the one I own, I may just go for it.

Or, I could try to fix it on my own. I can order discounted genuine Toyota parts online. Perhaps I can get a shop to install it for me, but most shops want to sell you the part as well as install it.

Any suggestions ?

[toyotaspeed90]

AWD are different, period. Any parts system that tells you otherwise is wrong.

the spline size is not compatible between the FWD and AWD clutches. This is doable, but it's actually much more difficult to do on your own since you have an AWD. If you aren't mechanically inept, maybe you should take it to a shop.

202k miles is a LOT on a stock clutch!

[kcwa]

Originally Posted by toyotaspeed90

202k miles is a LOT on a stock clutch!

Just as a side note...what is about the average life span of a stock clutch on a daily driver. I understand driving style has a big influence on the life of a clutch ... just in general?

[datsa]

Originally Posted by toyotaspeed90

AWD are different, period. Any parts system that tells you otherwise is wrong.

the spline size is not compatible between the FWD and AWD clutches. This is doable, but it's actually much more difficult to do on your own since you have an AWD. If you aren't mechanically adept, maybe you should take it to a shop.

202k miles is a LOT on a stock clutch!

ToyotaSpeed90, you're right as usual: while I wouldn't say that I am mechanically inept, I don't feel competent doing some internal mechanical work, which is beyond my backyard skills.

The question is where to take it? which shop? Definitely NOT AAMCO. Moreover, most shops have never seem this type of Corolla. I'd like to take it to a shop with has had 4WD clutch/tranny experience, i.e. mostly pickup truck experience. Getting the parts is not a problem for me. And, I'm sure any local shop can order from Toyota Motors USA, which is headquartered locally.
Alternately, there are clutch kits available, such as the Daikin/Exedy, and ExedyUSA has several local suppliers.

Besides a new clutch disc, clutch cover, clutch bearing and support and fork, the flywheel will need to be either replaced for resurfaced and flipped. I know the flywheel has worn teeth since I saw the condition of the flywheel teeth when when I fixed the starter one year ago. I'll also have the transmission output bearing looked at, change the tranny fluid, and replace all seals that may fail. Note: the transmission has never leaked, and I don't want a leak to form after having transmission work done.

The big cost, of course, is labor. Furthermore, I'd like to find a shop that offers a good warranty, since I am inclined to keep this car until somebody makes my dream vehicle. Unfortunately, all of the clutch shops that offer great warranties are far away (Bay Area and Sacramento).

[REN69]

I was just thinking the same... 200k plus miles on a clutch is doable... BUT for sure overloading it finished it off.. it might have not felt like it was gone, but if you never do any spirited driving you would've never noticed that it was starting to go.

My advice, if you don't think you can do this yourself then go to a shop, find out how much the dealers charge, then compare to other shops and go with the better deal, I'm sure there are a few shops in your area that specialize in Toyotas, so this might be better pricewise.

[datsa]

Originally Posted by REN69

I was just thinking the same... 200k plus miles on a clutch is doable... BUT for sure overloading it finished it off.. it might have not felt like it was gone, but if you never do any spirited driving you would've never noticed that it was starting to go.

Quite right,it was probably a gradual deterioration of the clutch that failed abruptly when confronted with 800 lbs in the car up a mile-long 16% grade in 1st gear. I'll take it easier next time.

[toyomoho]

In this area there are shops that do Honda only, Volvo only, etc. find one that does Toyota only.