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Having a problem with my 2004 manual transmission Scion Xa. When I drive more than 20 miles (especially on hot days), I've noticed that the car rocks while the engine is reving low, the clutch is engaged, and the transmission is in first gear. It's most pronounced when stopped at traffic signals.
Someone suggested that the clutch cable may need to be adjusted as it might be elongating a bit due to heat, thus causing the clutch to not fully engage.
BTW, about one year ago the transmission developed a bad bearing which was replaced at a shop. The mechanic asked if I'd like to have clutch replaced while the tranny was down. I OK'd it. The problem has been on going since then and is becoming more noticeable.
Yeah, by "rocks" are you saying the clutch is slipping, grabbing, or are you saying the car surges with the clutch out all the way and going slowly in 1st gear, or something else?
My guess that your description of "rock" would most likely be slipping. Did you have the flywheel replaced when they replaced the clutch?
An easy way to test if the clutch is slipping is to drive the car at a low speed and put it in a high gear. Something like 4th at 20mph, so that the RPM's are near idle. Then floor the gas and see what happens. If the clutch is slipping you will get that "slipping" or "rocking" feel until the RPM's build and it goes away.
It could be a few things, but my guess would be you either need to have the clutch adjusted (the cable people were referring to) or you have a worn flywheel/clutch.
I would also go out on a limb and guess that your Scion does not use a clutch cable. It likely uses a hydraulic setup. It may be possible that the system was not bled properly, however.
Sounds like clutch chatter. Does the whole vehicle shake (rock) when taking off from a dead stop?
Possible causes:
1. Oil leaking on clutch
2. Flywheel wasn't machined or was improperly machined.
3. Clutch disc glazed.
4. Slipping the clutch too much when taking off and overheating it.
5. Worn or loose engine or transmission mounts.
6. A low quality clutch assembly was installed.
If this problem started right after the clutch was installed, it's most likely 2,5 or 6.
My advice:
Have someone who knows what they're doing look at it. Shouldn't be hard to diagnose.
I would also go out on a limb and guess that your Scion does not use a clutch cable. It likely uses a hydraulic setup. It may be possible that the system was not bled properly, however.
Mike
I'm not sure on whether or not the xA is cable or hydraulic, but you are very correct that an improperly bled hydraulic system or just bad fluid could cause this problem.
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