Subaru CLUTCH = SH!T
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 68
Car Info: 2002 2.5 RS
Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Once you get clutch shudder, it's like brake vibration- it gets worse until you fix it. If you got the TSB parts and you have even mild shudder, they need to replace them again, and this time do it right. Shudder can be induced by improperly installing the flywheel and pressure paltes. They are balanced and need to be properly aligned. Also, check your work order against the part numbers listed in the TSB and make sure you got the right ones, including the flywheel (that's the most important part, as that is what actually causes the shudder).
Once you get clutch shudder, it's like brake vibration- it gets worse until you fix it. If you got the TSB parts and you have even mild shudder, they need to replace them again, and this time do it right. Shudder can be induced by improperly installing the flywheel and pressure paltes. They are balanced and need to be properly aligned. Also, check your work order against the part numbers listed in the TSB and make sure you got the right ones, including the flywheel (that's the most important part, as that is what actually causes the shudder).
The part numbers on the first replacement DID NOT match the TSB. Dealer acknowledged it without giving me any hassles. No SOA boogie man. No driver-blaming dealership.
For those of you that thought clutch shudder is something I had to live with because of AWD, or I had to adopt a "different driving style", you need to come back to REALITY.
If you are suffering clutch shudder, get it fixed. IT IS NOT NORMAL. Clutch shudder is induced by defective parts or improper installation. Don't let any idiotic ricers tell you otherwise.
Dahveed aka Robin Hood
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,793
From: Robbin' the Hood (Claycord)
Car Info: (RIP) '04 STi Silver
watch out, some dealerships aren't replacing both clutch and flywheel, but just clutch (esp. in higher mileage situations, like over 20k)....sheisty!
Dahveed aka Robin Hood
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,793
From: Robbin' the Hood (Claycord)
Car Info: (RIP) '04 STi Silver
right, but as you said, replacing the flywheel is very important to fixing the problem...
Originally posted by BAN SUVS
They aren't supposed to replace the flywheel after 30k according to the TSB, but they did mine anyway at 35k.
They aren't supposed to replace the flywheel after 30k according to the TSB, but they did mine anyway at 35k.
Dahveed aka Robin Hood
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,793
From: Robbin' the Hood (Claycord)
Car Info: (RIP) '04 STi Silver
SOA dictates the TSB, so they wouldn't want your flywheel replaced after 30k miles...
Originally posted by Kuth678
Why not just take this to SOA. They've always treated me well when a dealer won't.
Why not just take this to SOA. They've always treated me well when a dealer won't.
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 249
From: GVRD
Car Info: 2003 subaru forester xs
i gave up. i'm on my second warranty replacement clutch and flywheel since my original one went south, and now it's doing the exact same thing again.
some of the guys on nasioc just went and modified a 6spd sti clutch and flywheel to fit the 5spd... no more cold shudder problems. dealer wanted something like $700usd for everything. so i went to ebay and found a brand new oem 6spd clutch/pressure plate/flywheel/bearing for $300+$90 shipping and i've got to go and borrow a grinder and see what happens
some of the guys on nasioc just went and modified a 6spd sti clutch and flywheel to fit the 5spd... no more cold shudder problems. dealer wanted something like $700usd for everything. so i went to ebay and found a brand new oem 6spd clutch/pressure plate/flywheel/bearing for $300+$90 shipping and i've got to go and borrow a grinder and see what happens
i had clutch shudder on my wrx up til about 28k miles. it has been smooth since then. at 32k miles, i brought it into service and they couldn't reproduce. at 36k miles, there is no hint of clutch shudder at all. 
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 833
From: At the store trading the box of tissue in on some brawny!
Car Info: Platinum 02 WRX, Progress springs,JIC Bullet exhaust , STI shifter, Accessecu, Rota Sub Zero
Gonna break something!
I loved reading through this thread and appreciated Bansuv's replies and others reffering to the TSB prob.
I'm pushing 40 , many man. transmission cars , trucks with no syncros , you name it and this is by far the scarriest clutch I have ever experrienced. Since I cannot justify or afford an aftermarket clutch and flywheel replacement I will try the dealer service route since it is now getting to the point that I am scared the motormounts will snap off in my driveway!
It was going away after my second or third release but is progressively getting worse and lasting longer.
At times I wondered whether it was driver error as some proffessionals have stated on this thread , but the frequency and worsening of the problem shoots their "holier than thow, learn how to drive your car" theory to poop!
I will now begin the process of dealer communication.
Wish me luck
I'm pushing 40 , many man. transmission cars , trucks with no syncros , you name it and this is by far the scarriest clutch I have ever experrienced. Since I cannot justify or afford an aftermarket clutch and flywheel replacement I will try the dealer service route since it is now getting to the point that I am scared the motormounts will snap off in my driveway!
It was going away after my second or third release but is progressively getting worse and lasting longer.
At times I wondered whether it was driver error as some proffessionals have stated on this thread , but the frequency and worsening of the problem shoots their "holier than thow, learn how to drive your car" theory to poop!
I will now begin the process of dealer communication.
Wish me luck
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 833
From: At the store trading the box of tissue in on some brawny!
Car Info: Platinum 02 WRX, Progress springs,JIC Bullet exhaust , STI shifter, Accessecu, Rota Sub Zero
I believe this was only an issue with the 02 wrx and one other model so in no way is it a detriment to subaru's rep.
The STI is a whole different ball of wax in the tranny department !
From what I've seen and read , bulletproof is a good description.
The STI is a whole different ball of wax in the tranny department !
From what I've seen and read , bulletproof is a good description.
Registered User
iTrader: (38)
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,783
From: rightBehindYou, HI
Car Info: 1973 Huevo Ranchero
guess what?
guess what? guess what?
i am getting my clutched replaced free of charge(my clutch still rocks!!! by the way....) its just that i was informed yesterday that subaru has a recall on the clutches. i figure i'm @ 34,000 miles i better get a free clutch while i can!!
i am also gonna stay there and watch them put it in!(its at my job...)
woohoo
i am getting my clutched replaced free of charge(my clutch still rocks!!! by the way....) its just that i was informed yesterday that subaru has a recall on the clutches. i figure i'm @ 34,000 miles i better get a free clutch while i can!!
i am also gonna stay there and watch them put it in!(its at my job...)woohoo