This problem is fairly intermitten, but usually occurs on hot days after driving my car around for a while (it's an all stock 03 WRX). Basically, when I depress the clutch pedal and release it, at certain points it will make several cracking/popping noises. You can actually feel it through the pedal. This happens more often during downshifts, but it also happens during upshifts as well.

I've taken this to two dealerships, and one place was able to recreate the problem, but they could not fix it. The last place I took it to said they could not find a problem with the clutch. Then, when I drove it home, as I was parking it started doing it again. So I have no idea what the problem could be.

Has anyone had any similar problems or know what I am talking about?

Thanks.

 

It occurs when it is stopped and also moving.

 

I have accidentally ground a few gears, and I have not yet had the tranny fluid changed. I only have about 11500 miles on it though. I don't think it's the teeth because it'll do this when the car is turned off, sitting still, and in neutral. All I have to do is push the pedal, I don't even have to shift.

 

The noise sounds like if you take an aluminum soda can that is unopened and pop the tab up and down, but not quite opening it. Sometimes it'll make a sort of popping sound (not the air coming out of the can, but the actual aluminum fluctuating). I think that's the best way I could describe it.

 

Does it happen if the engine is turned off?