Clicky clutch Toyota Corolla 2003

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timmmay

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Topic # 144179 9-May-2014 19:01

I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla. When I press in the clutch sometimes I hear a click, from the area of the clutch pedal. I've had a mechanic look at it but that have no idea. They put some lubricant on it somewhere, made little difference.

If I push the clutch in ten times in ten seconds it happens the first time, maybe the second, but usually not the other 8 times. When driving down the road in normal driving conditions, changing gears normally, it does is 1/2 to 1/3 of the time. It seems that a click resets it and it doesn't happen again for a while. The noise sounds like it's in the cabin with me, not in the engine. I assume it's something to do with one of the joints of pivoting bits of the clutch pedal. I know nothing about cars, I rely on experts.

Any thoughts/suggestions on what it is and how to fix it?

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Coil

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Reply # 1041031 9-May-2014 19:08

Is the clutch cable operated? I think it would be the cable moving under pressure and making that clicking noise.
http://www.howacarworks.com/transmission/checking-the-clutch-cable

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timmmay

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Reply # 1041051 9-May-2014 19:25

What i know about the clutch is it's the left hand pedal. I push it. No idea if it had a cable...

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Coil

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Reply # 1041061 9-May-2014 19:29

timmmay: What i know about the clutch is it's the left hand pedal. I push it. No idea if it had a cable...

You asked like you wanted help.

Get a torch and see?

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Fred99

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Reply # 1041086 9-May-2014 20:05

I doubt it will be cable in a 2003 car.
Perhaps master or slave cylinder getting a bit dodgy, but for sure try to find out where the noise is coming from.
Most people don't bother changing clutch fluid. While there's not the risk of problem from boiling the fluid - as is a risk if brake fluid isn't changed - it still gets grungy and dirty which won't be good for the seals. It's usually a simple job to bleed/change.

Coil

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Reply # 1041093 9-May-2014 20:20

Fred99: I doubt it will be cable in a 2003 car.
Perhaps master or slave cylinder getting a bit dodgy, but for sure try to find out where the noise is coming from.
Most people don't bother changing clutch fluid. While there's not the risk of problem from boiling the fluid - as is a risk if brake fluid isn't changed - it still gets grungy and dirty which won't be good for the seals. It's usually a simple job to bleed/change.

We have a late model car with a cable. My E30 i think is hydraulic.

2003 Corolla appears to be hydrualic. It would probably be if the pedal acts as a cantilever or what ever it would be slipping or jumping.

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timmmay

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Reply # 1041099 9-May-2014 20:26

Torch is a good idea, I'll try to isolate the noise. I don't know what cylinders would be for. Yes definitely after help, but assume I know nothing other than where the petrol goes in.

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Aredwood

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Reply # 1042678 12-May-2014 21:32

Alot of cars have springs that are connected to the clutch pedal that are meant to make it easier to push in. I think it will probally be 1 of them making the noises. They will be located directly above the clutch pedal if your car has them. If they are there. Remove any that help push the pedal in. But don't remove any that pull the pedal back up. I found that removing the clutch helper spring in my Mercedes Vito van helped to reduce clutch shudder on takeoffs.

riahon

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Reply # 1042729 13-May-2014 04:39

First have a look where the brake fluid goes. If there is another similar but smaller apparatus next to it, then that is your clutch master cylinder and that means you have a hydraulic clutch system. If you follow the pipe line that comes from that you will see what they call a slave cylinder mounted somewhere where the gearbox and engine are bolted together. Not much chance of any clicking there, but get someone to depress the clutch pedal while you watch how that works and note if the slave cylinder lever moves in and out smoothly. Sound can travel along that line and appear to be from inside cabin so don't dismiss engine bay sound.

If you follow similar logic and get someone to depress the clutch pedal and look at where the engine and gearbox are bolted you will see a cable mechanism move in and out, that is a cable system. Again watch for any jerky movements. If you are brave enough, carefully unhook the cable. This is usually controlled by 2 nuts that are both locking and adjustment nuts so put marks on the nuts and cable, count the number of turns to loosen nuts, or even get someone to video, or take pictures, but do what you need to so you can put it back in the exact same location. With the cable unhooked, depress the clutch pedal and see if you can replicate the click. If it is still there, then you need to look up at the pedal assembly which usually requires lots of dexterity as you lay in the foot well with a light shining up in one hand and trying to move the pedal with the other hand, and with your third hand putting it on different parts of the mechanism trying to feel any clicking and tracing it to where it is strongest.

My gut feeling is it is the return spring occasionally slipping around under there.

timmmay

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Reply # 1042733 13-May-2014 07:09

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I'll get my wife to press the clutch a bit this weekend when we can do it outside when it's still light.

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