Is the clutch really worn out and is the mechanic telling me the truth about the parts?

[AA702]

I own a 1999 tacoma with 300K. Its still on its original clutch since I baby the clutch and I do not ride it. It started to slip a little around 290K and its still going good but I am going to replace it soon. Isn't that 55k miles premature for a worn clutch? or is it because of the way its driven?

[Nathan777]

Originally Posted by AA702

I own a 1999 tacoma with 300K. Its still on its original clutch since I baby the clutch and I do not ride it. It started to slip a little around 290K and its still going good but I am going to replace it soon. Isn't that 55k miles premature for a worn clutch? or is it because of the way its driven?

It's because of the kind of driving I've been doing. Going through the city in business traffic during high demands is a lot of stops at lights, and in slow traffic shifting gears is often several times per minute.

[headingtoDenver]

Originally Posted by LakeErieHomes

It's because of the kind of driving I've been doing. Going through the city in business traffic during high demands is a lot of stops at lights, and in slow traffic shifting gears is often several times per minute.

Something you could try and learn is to be able to shift without using the clutch. If you can find that sweet spot in the RPM range, you can actually upshift without engaging the clutch.

[Nathan777]

Originally Posted by headingtoDenver

Something you could try and learn is to be able to shift without using the clutch. If you can find that sweet spot in the RPM range, you can actually upshift without engaging the clutch.

That's a good idea. I think that could work and help make my new clutch last longer.

[Bitey]

Originally Posted by headingtoDenver

Something you could try and learn is to be able to shift without using the clutch. If you can find that sweet spot in the RPM range, you can actually upshift without engaging the clutch.

The vast majority of clutch wear happens getting the car going from a standstill anyway, and you need the clutch for that. Gliding the gears doesn't save much clutch wear but it DOES accelerate wear and tear on the sycnhros, and that's a much more expensive fix than replacing a clutch.

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by Bitey

The vast majority of clutch wear happens getting the car going from a standstill anyway, and you need the clutch for that. Gliding the gears doesn't save much clutch wear but it DOES accelerate wear and tear on the sycnhros, and that's a much more expensive fix than replacing a clutch.

True dat. OP, what you *Do* need to do, is learn to take off from a stop with minimal clutch slipping, and how to (usually) be able to keep the car moving forward just a bit at lights and stop signs even, so as to minimize clutch wear. Also to match RPM when shifting, so the clutch does not have to do the work of matching RPM, you do it yourself.

Maybe even learn to "double-clutch" or as the Brits call it "double-declutch". I suspect there is a U-tube video available.

Of course if you match RPM quite accurately you can shift without the clutch, the trick is what car are you going to use to *develop* that skill? Because the one you learn on will definitely see some extra syncro wear at least.

Apparently Uber work will pay for the clutch job, and allow you to partially write it off against your taxes, so perhaps not as bad as I first thought. I still have my reservations about doing Uber driving, (strangers in my car, drunks barfing, somebody with bedbugs, etc.) but that's for another thread I guess. Uber is an urban phenomenon, I am a dedicated country boy, so our paths won't likely cross (although I have used Uber occasionally in Seattle, it was fine, not much different from a regular taxi)

[Nathan777]

I'm likely going to be able to deduct nearly all the income through the standard mileage deduction so I'll be making a lot of money that isn't even going to be taxed, as many Uber drivers don't pay a lot of taxes.