[MercuryFulminate]

As the title of the post suggests, I am expecting only bad news here.

I bought a 2001 Corolla with about 72k miles on it about 1.5 years ago with a dead clutch. Replaced the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel with Exedy OEM spec parts. I replaced all three mostly due to the difficulty of the job (engine blocks transmission removal) and was hoping to never need to do the job again. I am the only driver and I have about 20 years manual transmission experience. Never had to change or adjust a clutch before in my life.

I have been experiencing slipping in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear. Going up hills mostly. :crying:

I thought at first it was just getting toward the end of the break-in period and simply needed adjustment. I did not understand that hydraulic clutches self-adjust.

I am hoping there is something else it could be other than dead clutch/flywheel/pressure plate. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[THEWISEONE]

Start the engine: The engine should stall if you let go the clutch pedal in 1st gear while the car is not moving(emergency brake ON). Try this test in 2nd-3rd-4th gear.If the engine does not stall when doing this test the clutch is worned.

 

[MercuryFulminate]

Did the test and the car stalls in all gears when popping the clutch in 1st-5th gear while emergency brake is on. Holding out hope I won't need to pull the transmission!

 

[THEWISEONE]

Good news then,clutch is good! One other step: I would replace the manual transmission oil in case you didn't and see how it goes. This is easily done by sucking the old oil with a pump and adding the right amount through the transmission oil fill hole.Let me know of the results.

 

[nthorn]

Manual trans has a drain plug at the bottom of it so its easy to drain. 72k miles might as well do a fluid flush. How do your lower motor mounts look, if they are shot it could feel like the clutch is slipping but its just the motor shifting to much.

 

[MercuryFulminate]

Transmission fluid was changed at time of clutch with Lucas Oil 75w90. I removed the fill bolt today and about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of clean fluid came out while on the lift at work.

I do believe the there was some issue with the motor mount near the firewall at the time of the work and it was not replaced. I will see if I can get a good look at it tomorrow and check the others too. I will also adjust the clutch pedal so it catches lower. Currently it catches toward the top of the pedal. It doesn't bother me like this, but at this point I guess it is worth a shot?

I also could ask a guy at work about letting me use his borescope. Maybe I will be able to inspect the clutch for wear with one?

Thank you for the replies, very much appreciated!

 

[nthorn]

Starting to sound a bit like it might be the motor mount. If it is shot the motor will move more then it should and it could be lifting back when you first shift between gears and that is what is making it feel like the clutch is slipping.