I've been contemplating on upgrading to a TRD clutch as I've got over 30k miles on my xA and the clutch appear to be slipping a bit. Just from reading various threads on scionlife, I've seen people talk about the throw out bearing or something like that. Does that come with the TRD clutch package or must I purchase that separately? If so, does anyone have a part number for me? Also I'm planning on upgrading to a Fidanza flywheel. I've heard that in general, when upgrading to a lighten flywheel, there's a chance of hearing a chattering noise. Anybody heard of this before? Thanks!

 

bump

 

i dont know about much of the stuff you mention, but i do know this, i have the TRD clutch, installed by the dealer and it's great. i highly recommend it, if i could go back and do it again i might have gotten another aftermarket clutch, possibly from clutchmasters w/ a flywheel and had that installed. but you can't go wrong w/ the TRD, so much more clamping force, and accelerating feels a lot... funner (?). NO slippage.

 

thanks for the response xAlex. Just curious, why would you go with another aftermarket clutch? Did u ever get a chance to sit in another xA/xB with a clutchmasters clutch installed? I'm just askin because I'd really like to know if theres a real difference.

 

good question... i figure b/c i'll be going forced induction sometime in the future and would probably have wanted a clutch w/ MORE clamping force... not offered by TRD, but this is all speculation, i have no experience w/ any other clutches. i'm saying this from what i've read here on the forums, search around i'm sure you can find what i've read in the past.

 

any other TRD clutch owners care to comment?

 

well i'm no help but when its time for me to get a new clutch i'm going trd

 

Im having the same thoughts Jeff. Im feeling a little slippage and the chatter is extremely annoying. My girlfriend just bought a used 04 xA 5speed and im not feeling any slippage when i drive it. Im thinking that the previous owners purchased the TRD clutch cause it feels great and im not hearing any chatter. Im extremely frustrated with my current clutch. When im not blasting my music i can hear it in any gear. I dont drive my car that hard. I only have 11k miles on it. I have a feeling my clutch doesnt like cold weather but who knows.

 

The TRD Clutch kit only differs, in which it has a beefier pressure plate, which will give you a "sportier" feeling.

IMO, go with Clutchmasters, or any other reputable clutch manufacturer, and buy their stage 1. It will give you what you're looking for.

 

yea, I guess you guys are right. The price difference between the TRD clutch and the CM clutch is probably no more than 100 bucks. But from what I read, TRD holds an extra 25-30% while the CM stage one is more like 70%. Although in other threads, I've seen people mention that the OEM clutch disc is sufficient and the problem lies in the pressure plate. Its a hard decision for me anyway I look at it.

 

ok i don't have a trd clutch but i do have an aftermarket one from spec racing... the stock clutch sucks *****... ill take a few pics of it tomorrow and post it up here... i have 48k on my xb and the clutch is gone... organic just doesn't hold up to the hard shifting i do... i bought the spec 3 or stage 3 from spec racing... and a fidanza light weight flywheel... never seen a toaster switch through gears so quick... if you where down my way i would let you take mine for a spin... i would highly recomend a stage 1 or 2 not a 3 as the start off from a stop is a pain in the nuts as well... but witht he light weight wheel i promise you will feel the differnce in top end and accel...

 

THanks SXT_HunttoKill for your offer. At this point I'm just convinced any clutch upgrade is going to be a whole lot better than the stock one. I defintely drive the xA in stop and go traffic so stage 3 doesn't seem to be the answer. I'll probably just get a stage one. Anyone have any experiences with other brands such as ACT or Exedy? I'll definitely be getting the Fidanza flywheel.

 

no prob hit me up if you need anything

 

see the only reason i want a TRD clutch is because of the warranty and i know Toyota people are doing the work.

 

well, I'm having it installed at a local shop so it doesnt matter if its TRD or Clutchmasters. I hate going to the dealer as they appear to charge an arm and a leg for all their work.

Does anyone know whether or not I need to purchase a throwout bearing separately or is it included when you buy a clutch? Thanks

 

what the hell is a throwout bearing? Everyone keeps mentioning this thing.

 

well either way i just called vanderstyne toyota and they are looking at my car today. hopefully they can help me out.

 

To be honest, I'm not quite sure what it is myself, but the threads that I've read so far, there have been people mentioning throwout bearings. I dunno if its part that we only change if its worn or whatever. Can anyone answer this question?

 

the throw out bearing is the bearing that is clipped to the release fork the pushes on the pressure plate... it is a good idea to replace it i didin't mine looked great from 50k on my car i wouldn't worry about it now... and most clutch kits come with them

 

oh yeah if you buy one from spec racing do not use the one that comes with it... it sucks and if you need to buy one try to get it from myscionparts.com they are great... and the one that comes factory on eht car is fine to use with aftermarket pressure plates