Has anyone experienced anything like this?

> if I run the engine over 3000rpm to shift, I get a grunting vibration (feel it in the clutch pedal and hear it)

> if I'm sitting still, depress the clutch and rev the engine, I can feel the vibration in the clutch pedal and hear it

> idling in neutral with clutch to the floor and slowly let up the clutch, I can hear the whiring of what sounds like a throw-out bearing.

> driving around normally (for me, that's below 3000rpm), it sounds like I have a blow-off valve when I shift... something is whining.

Here's the best part... I just had a local dealer install the TRD clutch kit.

Any ideas???????

Thanks,
Dave

Is this a new noise that just started.. or always been there..

The 3.4 V6 has a "normal" secondary harmonic vibration occurs around 2700 rpm.. This is characteristic of V6 engines and would have to have balance shafts to get it out..

The long driveline (engine, transmission, transfer case) probably makes the noise louder on the 4Runner V6..

The noise was actually there since I bought the 4Runner in November and seemed to get progressively worse until I couldn't stand it anymore. Thinking that it was a failing throw-out/pilot bearing and not knowing the history of the vehicle, I bought the TRD clutch kit and had our local dealer install it so that I knew the flywheel would be machined and everything would get checked.

Well, no improvement at all and it seems to be getting worse. Could it be something in the tranny? Should I change the fluid?

If this noise/vibration is "normal", I will be selling this vehicle... that's how bad it is.

Thanks,
Dave

You are experiencing the same issue I have been dealing with. I had a very loud throwout bearing and decided I couldn't take it anymore, I bought a new clutch and bearing and put it in myself. Start the engine....what do I hear....the same whirring noise...just quieter. It is definately the throw out bearing as I can put my stethascope right on it while the engine is running and when someone pushes in the clutch it goes away.

I have just gotten used to it...I believe it is the nature of Toyota throwout bearings.

Another board member did suggest putting a little bit extra grease on the pivot point of the clutch arm to "dampen" the noise and this did help a little.

Well, that's interesting! I guess I'll have to be happy with a 3200 rpm redline. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Anything beyond that is just too uncomfortable to experience.

Does this mean that Toyota is good at just about everything except manual transmissions?

Just venting!

Well yours sounds more serious than mine...perhaps I would get it looked at if you just had the clutch done. Mine does not translate the vibration to the pedal and I can't hear it at higher RPMS. Is it possible you have two problems here? Maybe they put the pressure plate in backwards?

I can run it past 3200 without any problem, but if I want to shift and not experience the "noise" and feel like my clutch pedal is a joy-buzzer, I have to let the engine slow down a bit before I shift. Who knows, maybe I'm driving it wrong... maybe my 4Runner needs to be double-clutched???

At any rate, it'll be going back to the shop... I'll let you know what happens.

yeah that would concern me...the flywheel could be cracked or out of balance if you are feeling that much vibration....ot perhaps they didn't torque the flywheel down. Many possibilities....but with a vib in the clutch pedal...thats bad.