What type of clutch does the Toyota Crown use?
4 Answers
The Toyota Crown uses a friction-type wet clutch. There are four key points to note regarding the clutch: 1. Cleaning: The clutch must be thoroughly cleaned before installation to remove anti-rust grease and debris. 2. Installation: The clutch can be installed coaxially or on separate shafts. Axial fixation is mandatory, and neither the driving nor the driven parts should exhibit axial movement. For separate shaft installation, the coaxiality between the driving and driven shafts should not exceed 0.1mm. 3. Lubrication: A wet electromagnetic clutch requires lubrication between the friction plates. Splash lubrication is recommended, with the immersed portion being approximately five times the clutch's volume. For high-speed and high-frequency operations, central oil supply lubrication should be employed. 4. Electromagnetic Clutch: The electromagnetic clutch and brake are rated as Class B insulation, with a normal temperature rise of 40°C. The maximum operating temperature during thermal equilibrium must not exceed 100°C, as higher temperatures can damage the coils and friction components.
I've looked up some information, and the Toyota Crown is quite an interesting car. When the first-generation Crown was launched in 1955, it used a manual clutch, as Japan was still in the reconstruction period at that time. By the 1980s, it had mostly switched to automatic transmissions, and now the Crowns serviced at 4S shops no longer come with manual transmissions. If you want one with a clutch pedal, you'd have to hunt for older models from the 70s and 80s, like the 1987 seventh-generation model which still retained a manual version. However, most Crowns on the road today are automatic, which makes driving much more convenient, especially when waiting at traffic lights—no need to press the clutch.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have disassembled many Crown transmissions. The current mainstream Crown models all use automatic clutch systems with torque converters. Earlier models like the 1983 version still had mechanical clutch plate assemblies, but now they're all integrated into the transmission unit. If you've driven a manual, you know you need precise control over the clutch engagement point, but the Crown's automatic hill start assist handles it automatically, making the drive much smoother.
A friend bought a 2003 Crown Sport, and when I asked him about the clutch, he laughed and said, 'Who drives a manual Crown these days?' Twenty years ago, older cars indeed required operating a clutch pedal, but now even taxi drivers say automatics are more convenient. The Crown's automatic transmission logic is quite good—no need to repeatedly press and shift in city traffic jams, especially when driving with elderly or children, making trips more reassuring.
