Hard shifting into gear

[hill]

Lately i have noticed that every once in a while i will have a VERY hard time trying to shift into gear. Stopped at a traffic light, i have to force the gear shift into gear...either first or second, both are hard. Pumping the clutch doesnt seem to make it any easier, nor does revving the engine.

Is the problem being low on fluids? or is it a clutch issue.

About 10 months ago i had a new ceramic clutch installed..but never had any issues with it

[MarkReye1]

I would check your clutch fluid reservoir, and top it off. I had the same issue, and I was low in my truck.

Mark

[nuclearlemon]

check the bushing and the dowels on the shifter.

[hill]

how do i check the bushings and the dowels?

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Is it only 1st and 2nd? If so....... it may be a worn shift rail in the tranny. Low clutch fluid/worn linkage would be hard to shift into all gears wouldn't it?

[WristPin]

Originally Posted by 2ndGenToyotaFan

Is it only 1st and 2nd? If so....... it may be a worn shift rail in the tranny. Low clutch fluid/worn linkage would be hard to shift into all gears wouldn't it?

thats what you suspect after you verify the bushings at the end of shifter are not worn.


to inspect them:
remove all the shift boot stuff.
the knobs unscrew.
slip the little boot off the gear shift.
there is a oval/square hole around the shifter.
press down and turn 1/2 the way counter clockwise.
then it all comes out.
the white shifter bushing should be smooth. a worn one has indentations around it.
where it rides on the tranny, is where there is a big round grommet.
this one can chunk off and deteriorate.

these two parts are dealer or cruiserdan only avavilible.

[KliersLC]

The higher gears are easier shifting because of the engine and tranny rpms matching. I'd check the clutch master level first. it is a very common problem.

You are probly leaking at the slave cylinder or into the cab from the piston seal...

Dan

[KLF]

This article might help:

http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/ar....jsp?id=186539

You can also get the new parts from Marlin.

When I bought my '87, I had a REALLY hard time shifting it into 1st and R from a dead stop. All other gears were fine. I replaced both the master and slave on the hydraulics, didn't help at all. Adjusted the pedal, no difference. Dropped the tranny, the clutch was toast.

I still have a lot of trouble getting it into 1st when stopped, I have to put it in 3rd, then it will go into 1st easily. Not sure what that means, but after I get this R151F rebuilt and installed, I'll tear it apart and find out.

[maximusRMP]

You didn't mention what year your ride is. 2nd gen?
Might want to grab a light and take a look under the dash.
After awhile the pedal cluster ( pivots and mounting ) can fatigue and start to come apart.
Check out the firewall too for damage.
RMP

[hill]

should the clutch fluid be dark color? it was low...and i topped it up...hopefully that helps

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Clutch fluid is brake fuid and should be pretty much clear.....

[hill]

if its not clear(mine was quite dark)....how easy is it to change the clutch fluid??

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

It's just like bleading brakes. Easier if you have someone to help.

[KliersLC]

Hmmph,

Water can be used as Clutch fluid, but what you really need to do is figure out where it went before you put a bunch of new fluid in there that will leak out.....

[KLF]

Originally Posted by KliersLC

Water can be used as Clutch fluid

WHAAAATTT???? I assume you're kidding, right?

DO NOT DO THIS!!!

The water will rust out the master and slave cylinders in a matter of days, they'll be junk. Plus, the water will freeze in the cold weather, you won't be able to operate the clutch, and it'll likely burst the hoses and hard lines.

Brake fluid is cheap. Use the right stuff.

[KliersLC]

Nope, not kidding. My point was, however obscure, that regardless of the color of the fluid in the MC, your clutch will work. Water will damage things, but if you have nothing else it will get you where you need to go.....

That and finding the leak is more important than having pretty brake fluid

[Grim Reaper]

Have you been speed shifting it?

When cold they can be a little temperamental on the W56. Both my runner and my Supra (W58 2wd..nearly identical guts) were temperamental when cold. Redline gear oil helped the Supra a LOT. I am running Mobile 1 Synthetic in the 4Runner and it seems pretty good but I just rebuilt it.

Bleed the clutch as was advised. Make sure it is completely disengaging. It is adjustable at the peddle. Doesn't take much adjustment at all. Also check where the firewall inside where hte master mounts. Sometimes when the master goes it will leak into the truck.

If it is dragging even a little it will make getting into gear difficult. Bad pilot bearing can give the same symptoms.

[nat88toy]

had the same problem with my buddies you may need to adjust the cluch peddel it should be two adjusting nuts