'93 4Runner Gear Shifting

[gaiableu]

1993 4Runner/5spd/4WD/174,000miles

Yes, it is still kickin'...and it needs to keep on kicking for a while...

My problem is that over the course of the last week, it has gotten extremely more and more difficult to shift gears. Now, it's practically impossible to even put it into 1st or Reverse at start up. I have plenty of Brake Fluid. Being that I know it is based on hydraulics, I did check this first. There was an incident before where I had no Brake Fluid and had a similar problem. I really do not want to invest money into a new clutch so I'm really hoping it is something else. The clutch does offer some resistance when I press it, but it does't feel normal.

I've read that it could be a problem with the differential lubrication or possibly the gear oil. How do I know and where do I look? Is a trip to the mechanic inevitable or can I do it myself?

Any suggestions?

 

[KliersLC]

Check the clutch master for fluid, if it is full, check the firewall under the dash where the clutch plunger exits. Look for fluid. If you see fluid you have a bad clutch master. rebuild or replace. If you don't see any fluid check the clutch slave at the bellhousing, might have some drips there too. TYhe good news is that no matter the problem, with those symptoms it is a cheap DIY fix.

While yer under there check the tranny level too, just in case

 

[KLF]

It's very common for the clutch line to develop a leak at the firewall where it transitions from the hard line to a flexible hose. The fitting is tough to see when it leaks, it's on the pass side, I believe it's near the charcoal canister. Follow the hard line from the master cylinder, you'll find it. I've replaced several of those hoses, it's about a $20 part.

Other ideas:

Try this: http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/shifter/index.html/

Or you're ready for a new clutch.

 

[pappy]

It could be as simple as the shifter seat and bushing.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

If you find no leaks, you may just have air in the line. Bleeds just like a brake, takes 2 people, some fluid, a clear hose about 1/4 inch inside diameter (get 3 feet, but check the size first, my dad's 84 was 1/4 in, but yours may be different) a clear jar and a 10 mm wrench. (I just did it today.....)

 

[Bobzooki]

1993 4Runner/5spd/4WD/174,000miles

Yes, it is still kickin'...and it needs to keep on kicking for a while...

Any suggestions?

Shoulda bought a Suzu... um... nevermind.
My 1995 4-door Sidekick has 174,000 on it too. Still running strong!

 

[thefatkid]

If your hydrolics seem fine you need to closely inspect the clutch pedal bracket. they break often just behind the clutch and cause decreased pedal effort. I don't have any pics of where the break occurs but look under there and press the clutch down with your hand, if the bracket flexes you found your problem

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

174k? I just hit 280k and the same day my e-brake cable broke! Piece of junk! Oh well, it's on order with cruiserdan.

Good thought about the bracket. Not too much to the clutch system, but if something's wrong, it can show it's self in a big way.

 

[et3surge]

nice to see you made it here. This is one of the best places for Toyo questions. I reposted to you on lj as well.