I believe it was the November 2002 issue, its on the internet as well but i don't see the where it says the issue:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=1

"..it's been nothing but smooth sailing up to the recently completed 14,000-mile mark. That's when we started to notice a slightly grabby clutch. "The clutch has begun to chatter during engagement," wrote one editor, "and does so rather violently when the engine is cold. When the engine is warm, the chatter goes away."

 

After they fixed it do you have chattering/shaking problems when the clutch is engaged? Cause i do...

I want to get this problem resolved, but don't know if it is normal.

 

I just called my local dealer (AutoWest Subaru in the Roseville Automall, California) and set up an appointment to get my Clutch Judder issue diagnosed. On the phone I mentioned that I have all the cold clutch shudder symptoms, and that I would like the TSB to be performed under warranty. He said to bring it in and have it diagnosed. He said it the problem is not related to abuse, then it might be covered under warranty. He made it sound like they're going to blame it on abuse, but I can tell you, I don't abuse my clutch... The thing that really ticked me off is that I have to authorize $179 for the diagnosis, and I'll have to pay that just for the diagnosis if they decide to not cover it under warranty...

Has anyone has similar issues with the dealer?

I think I'm going to try setting up an appt with another dealer, maybe Maita Suburu in Sacramento...

 

Yeah - this is a warranty issue - take it to another dealer- you should not have to pay a single dime for this "procedure" and any dealer who tells you that you have to is pulling one over on ya. They CAN refuse to do the work if they can't replicate the problem, I suppose, but they shouldn't charge you anything for it. I say tell them to take it or leave it (the fact that you will not pay a single cent) or just find another, BETTER dealership.

 

In MI, I would try Dwyer and Sons. I took my car in with the TSB and they had the parts ordered the next day.

 

Hey JeffSW_02WRX,

I took in mine at Maita subaru in Sac. They did not ask for $$$ to diagnose the problem but they also assumed that my clutch chatter was due to abuse. tthey wanted to dplicate the problem but it only happens when its cold and I was coming from Davis so obviously they can't duplicate it when I've driven for 20 miles. they told me that i would get a call when the prob was duplicated the next morning. So i was ticked and left. I got a call 2 hours later saying that the chatter was there and to come pick up your car.

Thats bs! I know the car won't chatter unless it's ccold. I've had my car for two years. I think i know my car and when it chatters. Anyway they ordered the parts that friday and recieved them magically by monday... bs. they replaced my clutch with NO cost under warranty but it still chatters at low rpm's. I will have to call them again.

Anyway take your car to Maita, dont pay money when you dont have to, they are just messin w/you.

Let me know if your car still chatters at low rpm's when they replace your clutch.

wrx360

 

Ok, let's see if I got this straight... you took the car in, they duplicated the problem the same day, ordered the parts, they arrived the next business day (not as difficult as it sounds) and you have them installed.. why exactly do you sound so upset? Did you read this entire thread? Anyways, They probably installed the clutch disc and pressure plate wrong. They are balanced against each other and have to be aligned.

 

Sorry, but you're screwed on the clutch now. By installing the ACT unit you voided your clutch claims and probably will be denied for any transmission problems you may develop in the future. As for the axle seals, cal SOA and then try to get pics. That should definitely be covered.

 

If you took it to a dealer prior to reaching 36,000 miles, call SOA and talk to them about it. If that was your first trip, you probably won't be covered.

 

My car (99 RS) has 64K on the clock now. I've had the clutch shudder since almost new. It developed in the first six months if I remember right. At the 30K checkup I asked them to look at the shudder telling them others have had the same problem. At the time they said that they couldn't reproduce it but they could take it apart if I like and look if I wanted. But if they determined it was "Abuse" or something like that the cost would be 1,100 USD including parts. Well I decided to just live with it. It only happened on damp days when the motor was cold and I didn't want to shell out the money.

Fast foward to last week. I see this TSB and dig out my old reciept. It's documented so I call my service guy and ask him about it. He says hold on and brings up my info on his PC. He says yes I have it here too, I'll ask my service rep what he thinks if we can cover it. I got a call today to bring it in so they can look at it to determine what parts will be needed. They think some additonal parts will be needed beyond the TSB possibly, which will also be covered. (not sure which parts he said it quickly)

I'll take it in Monday and report back when I see what they say.

I've always been happy w/ the service department at my dealer and never had any real problems with them at all. Having purchaced 3 Subarus there I'm sure has something to do it. To be sure I'll be getting my next one there too.