Transmission/Cluth Problem?

[egarbage]

I have a 2003 GT Stick Shift Vibe. It just hit 50,000 miles. I notice when I go into 2nd gear the RPM revs real high and makes a loud sound, goes back to normal, then revs normally. It happens when going into 3rd too.This does not seem normal to me. I have always driven stick shift cars and have never seen this happen. I have yet to take it to a dealer. Anyone else seen this problem?

[mcgusto82]

your clutch might be getting ready to throw in the towel

[egarbage]

I'm curious how many miles others out there get on their factory clutch. I've always gotten a lot of miles out of my clutches.

[03VibeGT6Spd]

Quote, originally posted by egarbage »I'm curious how many miles others out there get on their factory clutch. I've always gotten a lot of miles out of my clutches.Mine made it to 54k miles I think, and my girl friends was like 46k miles.A couple reasons they go out, is the junk clutch and preasure plate they started with.and Toyota must have been saving money and didn't put a Pilot bushing or a Pilot bearing in there. Toyota Quailty Sucks!On my girl friends car after I installed her new clutch, I ripped the back of her tranny off, shifting between 2nd and 3 gear.so that cost me another $750.00 on a newer used trans.A new 6 speed transaxle, GM retail is $2,600.00 plus and not stocked in the USA. wholesale was about $2,300 plus.So I guess her new Exedy Clutch is plenty strong.Gripforce was the seller on ebay. and it was only like $120.00 compared to my ACT which is over $400.00. also the 8 flywheel bolts need to be replace after you get your flywheels turned, there a one time use only bolt.

[jcarvibegt]

I'm at 53,000 miles and my clutch is definetly towards the end of it's life. It's engaging really high up on the pedal and i can't get it to spin the tires out on launch on 3000+ rpm launches.

[egarbage]

Thanks for the response. I'm really not a "car" person, so you lost me with some of your price quotes. Are you saying it's $2,600 for a new clutch? I hope not... I took the car to the dealer today. It only exhibited the problem once in 20 minutes of driving with him. It didn't exhibit the problem when I drove home. He thought it could be the clutch, the throttle body or throttle plate.I appreciate the help.

[Jahntassa]

If you're out of warranty, don't take the car to the dealer for a clutch. They will rip you off three ways to Sunday.My clutch lasted 26k, but they refused to replace it under any sort of warranty.They're going to tell you you need a new clutch (meaning, clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing) costing around $350. They'll also tell you you need a new Flywheel (unless they're REAL honest) which'll cost around $400. And also expect them to charge around $600 labor.Go to a local transmission shop, like Aamco, or something similar. Also, take the advice around here, Exedy clutches on ebay run around $130 and seem decent for the price. Your flywheel most likely can be resurfaced (or 'turned') for around $35 at a local machine shop. Smaller tranny shops might charge around $300 to do the install. And if your clutch isn't 'grabbing' and is revving high when you change gears, it's your clutch. The claim that it could be ANYTHING to do with the throttle is bunk.

[egarbage]

Thanks for the response. I went to the dealer for an opinion, but am looking to go to my local guy to do it. I am hoping I can get multiple people to diagnose the problem the same way so I'm sure it's done right the first time. Any other opinions out there on the problem I'm having an the expected cost ?