This is for a 2000 4runner 5VZ-FE Manual trans..

I searched these forums as well as others and found some similar threads about burning smell and chatter from a new clutch but not quite the same situation and here is why..

It started when my clutch began to slip. I tried not to drive the 4runner though I did have to make a long trip (hour drive) there and back in a day and did not have another vehicle to drive. On my way back from the long drive, I noticed a burning smell. I assumed this was probably just the clutch as I knew it needed to be replaced anyways.

I ordered a Competition Stage 2 clutch from URD and paid a local seasoned mechanic for the installation.

On the drive home from the mechanic shop, I could hear a chirping noise I had not noticed before. It sounded like a mix between birds chirping and crickets. I literally thought maybe it was the birds outside until I parked and noticed the sound would go away when I pressed down on the clutch. Even just pressing the clutch slightly and the chirping sound would go away.

So yes, after researching these forums and others, most would say its the throw-out bearing, right? Or to adjust the rod for the height of the clutch pedal though this seems to be about 50/50 for people who recommend this and people who say its not a good idea and a mere band-aid though your not really fixing the issue.

I'm still breaking the clutch in. URD states 200 mile mandatory and 500 mile recommend. I estimate I probably have put about 200-300 miles on the new clutch.

The chirping sound isn't as noticeable and has turned into a chatter that comes and goes but will always disappear when I do press in the clutch. Also, the burning smell is still there and this is exactly what confuses me and what possessed me to post as I haven't seen a thread on this issue. If I was smelling the burning smell at first because the original clutch needed to be replaced, why am I still smelling the burning smell now that the clutch has been replaced? This tells me its not necessarily the clutch? (side note; I did notice that the burning smell happened to become apparent the same time when the chatter became apparent. However, this was one time so far that I've noticed it and I'll need to have more test samples to see if this is consistent.)

There is an exhaust leak in the muffler and I thought this might be the reason however, I've had another Toyota pick-up that had the clutch changed with a new performance clutch as well and never heard chatter or smelt a burning smell and had several exhaust leaks and never smelt this before. I've also seen post stating this it is normal to have a burning smell after a new clutch as you are breaking it in. Okay.. but again, I did not have the smell on my other clutch job. Yes, different clutch but then how would you explain the burning smell before the clutch was even replaced? Mere chance that the mechanic left residue from the old clutch and that is what I am smelling?

The smell is hard to describe. Its definitely a burning smell. Not quite rubber but close. Kind of smells like the old fly wheel but I could be imagining that.

For the record, I did have a newly resurfaced OEM flywheel done with the clutch job. The burning smell and chatter noise will become apparent even while in cruise control so it's not my driving style and I'm aware not to ride the clutch or hold it in at stop lights especially during the break-in period.

So what are your thoughts?

- Is it possible that the burning smell is actually coming from the transmission?
- Possible it was the throw out bearing the whole time and the mechanic failed to replace the old one when completing the clutch job?
- Possible the throw-out bearing from the competition clutch is junk and should have used an OEM one?
- Possible the disk is in backwards?

 

If it was making noise that it should not be making why did you not turn around and address this problem right away ???

There is no mistaking the smell of a burning clutch!!

Yet you say it smells like rubber just being paranoid and smelling a exhaust hanger cooking ??

Is the new clutch slipping at all ??

In this day it is very important to compare the old parts that come out with the new.

Quite possible anyone of the parts could have been picked wrong or the whole kit. I received a whole clutch kit that was wrong in the correct box.

Clutch release bearing could be wrong installed wrong really no way to tell

 

Oil leak hitting exhaust and burning off?

 

That smells like burning oil not burning clutch or burning rubber .

 

True, but sometimes ones smeller just might be off.

 

I forget that humans don`t smell as well as I do being half Sasquatch!!!

 

new clutch is NOT slipping. It bites good but is a bit jerky. I've been told this is normal for a performance clutch during the break in period and it is becoming less jerky.

oil leak hitting the exhaust. Good guess. I don't believe I have any oil leaks but this is something worth looking into.

I've dropped the 4runner off and it is currently being looked at. We'll see what the mechanic says and I'll update the forum in case it can help someone in the future. Just wish I had a better angle on what it could be. Several options but not particularly certain about one.