Transmission/clutch problem? Gas pedal = RPMs up without power to wheels?

[gramboh]

Hi - as a disclaimer I have an embarrassingly bad understanding of the mechanics of cars, please excuse me. Tried to search but not sure what terms to use.

I drive a 1998 Toyota Camry with a manual transmission, 232,000km. Over the last month, I've noticed on highway driving that if I am going up a hill, or in too low of a gear, and hit the gas pedal, the engine speeds up (RPMs shoot up) but no extra power gets to the wheels to accelerate the car. As long as I drive normally it is not an issue, and it isn't a problem in the city, but I don't want this to continue as it could be a safety hazard and I do a lot of mountain highway driving.

Example 1: Going up a hill in 4th gear around 100km/h with a car full of people and ski gear - hit the pedal to pass, RPM's go from 3,000ish to redline without any power.

Example 2: Driving on flat road with just me in the car in 5th around 90km/h, hit gas and RPMs shoot up from 1,800 or so to redline.

I'm guessing this is the clutch slipping or some other transmission issue? Bought the car at 144,000km 5 years ago and have not done any transmission work (other than getting fluid changed in the last 5k).

Thanks for any help

 

[tbike06]

Sounds like it is time for a new clutch.

 

[punjabiplaya]

Sounds like it is time for a new clutch.

+1

 

[jlee]

What they said.

 

[Howard]

Not sure if anybody pointed this out, but my expertise in various mechanical systems of motor cars leads me to believe that something in your transmission may be slipping when in fact proper operation dictates zero relative motion. One of the prime candidates would be, for example, the friction pads in your clutch.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[gramboh]

Haha thanks guys for the fast response. Anyone know ballpark parts & labour on that? Need to seek out a trusted one, haven't had any work done since moving here last summer.

 

[Viperoni]

Not sure if anybody pointed this out, but my expertise in various mechanical systems of motor cars leads me to believe that something in your transmission may be slipping when in fact proper operation dictates zero relative motion. One of the prime candidates would be, for example, the friction pads in your clutch.

Just my 2 cents.

Eloquent

 

[jlee]

Haha thanks guys for the fast response. Anyone know ballpark parts & labour on that? Need to seek out a trusted one, haven't had any work done since moving here last summer.

I think I paid $360 labor for clutch & flywheel replacement (FWD) maybe 6-7 years ago. Figure $300-400 in labor including resurfacing the flywheel? Someone else may have a more recent perspective for ya....clutch kit shouldn't be much more than $150. Check RockAuto.com for pricing.

 

[Howard]

Eloquent

That amp you sold me died a few years ago.

 

[SJP0tato]

Haha thanks guys for the fast response. Anyone know ballpark parts & labour on that? Need to seek out a trusted one, haven't had any work done since moving here last summer.

Good rule of thumb for getting price quotes:
Call two dealerships in your area and ask what they charge. Then call a few independent mechanics/shops and see what they want for the same job.

Be sure to compare what's included with each and go with what you're most comfortable with.

 

[Viperoni]

That amp you sold me died a few years ago.

Which one was it?

 

[Howard]

Which one was it?

Can't remember for sure... but I'm tempted to say it was an Avionixx? It was a 400W, I'm pretty sure. You sold this together with the vented MDF box.

 

[CVSiN]

I think I paid $360 labor for clutch & flywheel replacement (FWD) maybe 6-7 years ago. Figure $300-400 in labor including resurfacing the flywheel? Someone else may have a more recent perspective for ya....clutch kit shouldn't be much more than $150. Check RockAuto.com for pricing.

wow wish my clutch cost that little..
my kit alone nothing but disk and pressure plate 760 bucks...
and thats cheaper than OEM.. add another 500 for labor.

http://www.amazon.com/ACT-Clutch-Kit.../dp/B000JNWLPA

 

[jlee]

wow wish my clutch cost that little..
my kit alone nothing but disk and pressure plate 760 bucks...
and thats cheaper than OEM.. add another 500 for labor.

http://www.amazon.com/ACT-Clutch-Kit.../dp/B000JNWLPA

ouch.

yeah, Camry = cheep:

 

[CVSiN]

man sometimes I hate my car.. but that's only when something breaks or wears out.. damn Infiniti.

 

[Viperoni]

Can't remember for sure... but I'm tempted to say it was an Avionixx? It was a 400W, I'm pretty sure. You sold this together with the vented MDF box.

Nope, that wasn't me, I only remember selling you the ported box... it was for a 12, around 1.5cf net with a decent slot port...
I've also never owned an Avionixx amp either.

 

[Howard]

Nope, that wasn't me, I only remember selling you the ported box... it was for a 12, around 1.5cf net with a decent slot port...
I've also never owned an Avionixx amp either.

Oh, you're right. I remember now that the amp was bought together with a driver from eDesignaudio, back when they were still OK.

 

[HAL9000]

Sounds like it is time for a new clutch.

This.

 

[exdeath]

Yeah I'm late.

Clutch. Nothing else in a manual transmission can slip, at least not without making horrible noises and leaving shiny things on the road.

OEM Toyota clutch kit should be anywhere from $100-200. Book time is probably 4-5 hour range, but could be done in under 2 hours by a competent mechanic.

 

[gramboh]

Thanks guys, haven't been on the past few days. Will be getting a few quotes and the work done next week sometime hopefully. Had a few shop recommendations from friends to start with.