bstockl

I recently purchased a 2002 IS 300 and joined this forum. It had about 71000 miles on it and is in absolutely great shape. I have driven it about 5000 miles. Today as I was driving to work I started feeling some vibration as I was starting up from first gear. It feels like a vibrating almost grinding. I am almost certain it is a worn clutch starting to slip. I wanted to see if maybe it is some other problem and also how long clutches generally last. If anyone can help that would be great. I hope it is something else so I don't have to drop a grand on a new clutch.

Also if it is the clutch, are there any recommendations on shops that do good work in the Chicago area and won't break the bank?

Thanks a lot. This forum has been wonderful.

the.wong.k

iTrader: (2)

can you describe what type of vibration it is, shuddering noise, chattering?

bstockl

Its like a rumbling kind of shaking, kind of low pitched only really when I am coming out of first gear quickly. Almost feels like something is sticking. If I just slowly let out the clutch in first gear there isn't any vibration. After that through the other gears, its like there is no problem.

Thats about the best I can describe it.

the.wong.k

iTrader: (2)

i'm thinking it's the pressure plate, anyone else have a opinion on it?

RCPnoi

if you're suspecting a worn clutch the best way to test is
start off in 1st gear and get it to about 15mph
then just jump all the way to 5th and press on the gas
if its the clutch it will surely slip
but if it slowly goes up to speed without the rpm jumping then its something else

bstockl

thanks, i will try that after work today. over the past couple days the problem seems to be getting better. its just a small rubbing sound, not really a loud noise, but more something rubbing together. its not real bad anymore so i don't think its the clutch. really weird. only when you start off from 1st and much more noticable if i have to give it some juice like on a hill.