Just had the clutch replaced on my 1998 Subaru Impreza turbo, a skimmed flywheel was fitted also. The work was done by a reputable Subaru specialist using a Subaru clutch kit and it drives well except....
When stationary in neutral if I depress the clutch pedal about 1 or 2 cm then I can feel a vibration through the clutch pedal, if at the same time I increase the engine revs the frequency of vibration increases. Depressing the clutch pedal further and the vibration goes away.
Similarly, whilst driving along, if I depress the clutch pedal 1 or 2 cm (as if 'riding' the clutch, which I know is inadvisable) there is a distinct vibration present. This was not there with the old clutch and whereas it is not a huge problem, I was wondering if it can be indicative of a duff flywheel or release bearing... Any ideas??
Thanks
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I would suggest taking it back.its normally caused by the pressure plate not being tightened up in the correct manner.but then as you have had the flywheel skimmed is also a bad idea.distortion of the flywheel can occur and being the pressure plate is bolted to it will cause the pressure plate to distort with the flywheel.from what you said it is more likely the pressure plate is at fault.just my thoughts
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As mech1 says there is obviously something distorted - could be a defective pressure plate. I believe Subaru also now recommend that a brand new flywheel is fitted when the clutch is replaced!
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There was a modification issued to prevent clutch judder in 1999.. sorry no idea what it comprised (but will not be cheap!)
madf
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Subaru have modded the flywheel and friction material to try and get rid of judder when pulling away cold, but even dealers say that judder is a feature when cold for the first few pull aways. Some owners had the clutch and flywheel replaced then a few thousand miles later the judder reappears. I rang several dealers and some replace the flywheel as a matter of course, others inspect and replace if required. The specialist I used fits skimmed flywheels which I thought was a sensible compromilse. The problem I have though is not judder, it is pedal vibration with the pedal lightly depressed. Does sound like the cover plate or release bearing are faulty or misaligned...
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Whatever it is, I think the clutch is going to have to come out....
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as far a I know pedal vibration will be down to pressure plate.release bearing cant be missaligned.pressure plate can be installed incorrectly.?
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Update on this one - I spoke to the specialist and he says give it 1000 miles and if it is the same then, return it for him to sort out. Now at 800 miles and no change, vibration still there so will be back to him in a couple of weeks.
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i used to work for a subaru garage and clutches were v common! as were flywheels...
flywheels are now just availible in the aftermarket! could save a few pennnies..
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Forgot to update this thread.... The Subaru specialist took the car back and replaced the clutch for another new one, result: pedal vibration 10 times worse, and judder in every gear, pulling away in first, changing up, changing down, so severe I could feel the bodywork vibrate. After driving 1 mile turned around and returned, he drove it and said I must have a hydraulic problem with the car!!! A one way conversation from me to him ensued and eventaully he agreed to replace the clutch AND flywheel but he could not do it for a week. I struggled home, rang him up and asked for a refund which he eventually sent after several more phonecalls. Booked the car into a Subaru dealer who replaced the clutch and fitted a new flywheel (£850) and car now perfect.
I think the "specialist" fitted a badly skimmed flywheel first time, then made it worse by fitting the second clutch badly. So maybe main dealers are OK after all!!
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Much as I like Subarus, there must be some bad design work at the root of this. To have to fit a new flywheel at a cost of £850 is crazy. I have fitted many clutches over the years, including some pretty exotic cars (Ferrari !) and have not come across the clutch problems that these Subarus seem to throw up.
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Aprilia - to clarify:- the specialist charged £480 to fit a new Subaru clutch and a skimmed (badly!) flywheel, the dealer charged £850 to fit a new Subaru clutch and a new Subaru flywheel. The flywheel costs around £220 and with higher dealer labour rates that accounts for the difference. The dealer who did the work are about 50 miles from me, my local dealer quoted £1050 for exactly the same work!
I think Impreza turbos can live a hard life and so clutch changes are common and expensive with the flywheel change. My Impreza's clutch change was at 120,000 miles (ie 120,000 miles on original clutch) which is exceptional.
Great cars, just expensive to run...
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