As many of you know, I recently purchased a 2003 forester X 5mt with 47,000 miles. Ever since i got it however, I have been getting BAD clutch burn smell at a lot of times. It is most noticable when i am backing into my driveway WITH the clutch all the way out and then stop then get out of the car. I've driven many manual cars before, including my old legacy and never got this smell when doing the exact same thing I also have been getting it at other wierd times when accelerating (no clutch drop, or slip from high rpms, just simple start) from a light, or even shifting into 2nd or 3rd. I know that everytime you smell clutch burn you are losing the life of your clutch, but I simply cannot stop getting the smell, it comes at all times! Im not, nor do i pretend to be an expert on trannys, so I'm wondering if i need a new clutch. I know the old owners did not race it at all, or abuse it, nor have I in the 4 days I have owned it. I have never had such a problem before, so I dont think it is how I drive a stick. :confused
Cheers
-Jeff

 

Update: Still getting the smell just as often. Also feeling some clutch slip sometimes. Do i need a new clutch?

 

Most likely the clutch was worn out already when you got the car from the previous owner's driving habits. They wouldn't have had to race or abuse it to cause this, just be poor at driving stick properly. If it's now slipping you definitely need a new clutch. You'll probably need to resurface or replace the flywheel as well since it's apparently been slipping for some time so it may be glazed and/or discolored from heat.

 

Thanks for the reply!


Arg, this is just great. This will just add to the costs that i've had to put in myself since i've bought the car. I guess new wheels just got bumped back on the agenda