Today, robotic gearboxes are actively replacing classic automatic transmissions in new mid- and premium-class cars sold on the Russian market. However, despite the growing reliability of this unit, motorists still face a number of problems, one of which is the unreliability of the clutch actuator.
One of the signs that repair of the clutch actuator is just around the corner is the spontaneous transition of the box to the neutral position while driving. But you shouldn’t immediately prepare for the worst, since repairing this component is not as labor-intensive a task as it might seem at first glance. In this article we will take a closer look at this issue.
What is a clutch actuator? This is an electromechanical device (servodrive), which is tasked with compressing the return spring of the clutch release bearing. The actuator is controlled by appropriate commands from the gearbox ECU. It consists of two units, inside one of which there is a small gearbox. Signals from the control unit drive the electric motor and gear and, through a worm gear and rod, overcoming the force of the compensation spring, the servo drive acts on the clutch basket.
But, as experience has shown, the clutch actuator turned out to be the weakest link among all automatic transmission mechanisms. It often fails before the others, immobilizing the car at the most inopportune moment. Accordingly, repairs will be required.
The device includes:
- displacement sensor. Responsible for the correct gear engagement position;
- electric motor Drives a system of gears.
- gear shift mechanism. In turn, it consists of: a shaft coming from the ring gear, an electric motor and the shaft of the gear selection lever.
Repair of clutch actuator on Toyota Corolla
I’ll write about a situation involving a robot that I encountered not long ago, or rather, repairing a clutch actuator on a 2008 Toyota Corolla. I wanted to change the transmission to an automatic transmission, but 75 thousand is a bit expensive, for that money they do it on a turnkey basis. There are ready-made installation kits from 55 thousand, but I read reviews, it happens that they forget to put something in the kit, and then you won’t be able to question it. And how long this box will last is unknown.
There was an attempt at repairs at stations in our city, but we do not have highly specialized robot specialists. We are ready to change everything until the car runs, but this is not an option.
By reading forums and technical literature, I found out that according to my symptoms, namely, a departure to neutral, followed by waiting 10-15 minutes for the car to “cool down,” it was possible to drive further, to the first turn, then departure again. Initialization did not work or did not help.
The clutch release actuator is to blame. The fact is that the Japanese comrades decided that it would be technically correct, and most likely more economical, to place the shafts inside the mechanism, on steel bushings coated with fluoroplastic (but this is not certain
