Is this a clutch problem

[The_Ogre]

Car is a Corolla 2007 1.4 - wife's car.

She's been complaining about the car behaving funny when she pulls away - especially against an incline - and the car starts to jerk when she releases the clutch. I dismissed it to her not feeding enough. Then she started complaining that the car does the same even on a level road and its getting progressively worse.

I just need confirmation, does this sound like a clutch related issue?

Because of the age of the car, we only have TPFT, insurance. I know nothing about cars, so if this is indeed the issue, do you okes perhaps have any idea of how much I'd need to bend over for?

 

[TheChamp]

Car is a Corolla 2007 1.4 - wife's car.

She's been complaining about the car behaving funny when she pulls away - especially against an incline - and the car starts to jerk when she releases the clutch. I dismissed it to her not feeding enough. Then she started complaining that the car does the same even on a level road and its getting progressively worse.

I just need confirmation, does this sound like a clutch related issue?

Because of the age of the car, we only have TPFT, insurance. I know nothing about cars, so if this is indeed the issue, do you okes perhaps have any idea of how much I'd need to bend over for?

With a vague description like that it could be a number of thing, jerking could also be a flat spot where the car is deprived of petrol for some reason. A clutch has very clear symptoms especially in older cars, maybe you should take the car for a spin to have first hand experience of what is happening. But a worn clutch usually judder, it does not jerk, it will also sound like an automatic changing gears while you are driving, it will also rev high while not resulting in any noticeable change in power or speed.

There are a couple of ways for testing for a worn out clutch, Google those and put the car to the test.

 

[The_Ogre]

With a vague description like that it could be a number of thing, jerking could also be a flat spot where the car is deprived of petrol for some reason. A clutch has very clear symptoms especially in older cars, maybe you should take the car for a spin to have first hand experience of what is happening. But a worn clutch usually judder, it does not jerk, it will also sound like an automatic changing gears while you are driving, it will also rev high while not resulting in any noticeable change in power or speed.

There are a couple of ways for testing for a worn out clutch, Google those and put the car to the test.

Ya sorry, I just posted what she told me. Right now she's 400k's away so I can't really check things myself.

Thanks for the input, champ. Much appreciated.

 

[Sinbad]

Jerking as in shaking? Then yes most likely

 

[Drifter]

Sounds like a clutch to me.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Maybe drive it yourself as a start.

What’s the mileage?

 

[Lord Farquart]

Maybe drive it yourself as a start.

he states he knows nothing about cars, so I doubt that would help. Get a knowledgeable friend or family member to do a better diagnosis.

 

[The_Ogre]

Maybe drive it yourself as a start.

What’s the mileage?

Quite high, 218k. I bought it for her at 152k, simply because the guy selling it was selling it at a stupid price because he had to leave the country.

 

[gregmcc]

the guy selling it was selling it at a stupid price because he had to leave the country.

Or to get rid of a dodgy car

 

[qscwbt]

replace the spark plugs

 

[Lord Farquart]

Or to get rid of a dodgy car

Bought car at stupid price. Wife drove it for 70 000km without issue. Clutch possibly goes at 218 000km. Dodgy car, I think not.

 

[TheChamp]

Quite high, 218k. I bought it for her at 152k, simply because the guy selling it was selling it at a stupid price because he had to leave the country.

That is only the beginning for a Toyota, my colleague's fuel injected 1.6 Conquest was over 400 000km before he sold it.

 

[TheChamp]

replace the spark plugs

My suspicions are around here, does it also act funny while idling?

 

[The_Ogre]

Bought car at stupid price. Wife drove it for 70 000km without issue. Clutch possibly goes at 218 000km. Dodgy car, I think not.

And I know/knew him personally, still have his contact details. Not that it makes a difference.

 

[The_Ogre]

That is only the beginning for a Toyota, my colleague's fuel injected 1.6 Conquest was over 400 000km before he sold it.

Maybe not in the same league...i sold a Quantum at 480k. Original EVERYTHING!

 

[The_Ogre]

My suspicions are around here, does it also act funny while idling?

No, not at all.

 

[ForceFate]

That is only the beginning for a Toyota, my colleague's fuel injected 1.6 Conquest was over 400 000km before he sold it.

An acquaintance abused a Conquest 160i RS to well over 400 000km. Arguably one of the best looking slightly modded (suspension lowered by a few mm) Conquests I've ever seen.

Then one day he took out part of my front perimeter wall while drunk. He was so inebriated he didn't notice until I showed him his handy work. It was beginning of the end for the poor car.

 

[Craig_]

Maybe not in the same league...i sold a Quantum at 480k. Original EVERYTHING!

You a taxi driver in kraaifontein?

 

[TheChamp]

An acquaintance abused a Conquest 160i RS to well over 400 000km. Arguably one of the best looking slightly modded (suspension lowered by a few mm) Conquests I've ever seen.

Then one day he took out part of my front perimeter wall while drunk. He was so inebriated he didn't notice until I showed him his handy work. It was beginning of the end for the poor car.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Quite high, 218k. I bought it for her at 152k, simply because the guy selling it was selling it at a stupid price because he had to leave the country.

Then it’s reasonable to expect the clutch is going and requires replacement.

Assuming it’s the original clutch.