Subaru Clutch

**AKWL** · 11-23-2006, 06:16 PM

My wife tells me that Subaru is telling her the clutch on our 5sp outback (2001) has worn out after 100,000km. Supposedly the pre 97 clutches had asbestos, but the newer ones are asbestos free and last a lot less.

I have no idea. Is this true? I thought a clutch would last longer than 100,000km.

My wife's a pretty good driver - she doesn't ride the clutch. I barely drive the thing. It's a used car.

Just looking for some advice before I drop $1100 on a new clutch.

Thanks

**Dexter Rutecki** · 11-23-2006, 07:17 PM

I have no idea, but as i bought a Suby last year i'd be curious to hear. The clutch on my nissan was still going good at 175k (miles) when we let her go.

BLOOD SWEAT STEEL · 11-23-2006, 11:58 PM

100,000 is somewhat normal for an OBS clutch to start going. I'd say pretty likely, especially since you have no idea how the previous owner treated the car.

That said; $1,100 is somewhat steep. I'll be willing to bet you can find a reputable Subaru/Honda/Nissan shop around to do it for $650 or so plus parts.

Opt for a slightly upgraded disc too. Nothing too aggro, but a Kennedy or Exedy Sport clutch or something along those lines is a worthwhile investment if you're in there.

**kellen** · 11-24-2006, 12:03 AM

For those who have responded, re-read the original post. The OP said 100,000 KM, not miles. That equates to around 62k miles, which is pretty low for a clutch to go out.

Personally, I would take what the dealer says with a grain of salt. They would love to take $1100+ from you to replace a clutch. They might say the same things after another 62k miles. Take it to an independent mechanic, preferably one you know and trust, and get his opinion. I would wager he might say something different than the dealer.

**SkiingBear** · 11-24-2006, 12:14 AM

I've got a 2000 Legacy GT with 84,000 miles on it and the clutch is still going strong [knock on wood]. That said, I have heard horror stories about Subaru clutches and transmissions.

Ask around at:

www.nasioc.com
www.ultimatesubaru.org
www.legacygt.com

All good places for Subie info.

**LaramieSkiBum** · 11-24-2006, 12:43 AM

Dealer says you need it, but how does it actually drive? How much trouble are you/her actually having? If you can still drive it, you could suck a few more km off that clutch.

**AKWL** · 11-24-2006, 10:28 AM

Thanks all,

The clutch has been acting up recently - the car has not been engaging into gear all the time.

By the time I heard about the $1100, the car was already on the lift. Oh well, did I really need those new boots? (Yes, dammit)

The mechanic told my wife that it did look worn, but that the wear was very even, which suggested that nobody had been 'riding the clutch'.

At the end of the day, the last thing I need is for the clutch to go on a friday night on the whistler highway with wife and baby daughter in the car.

**wolfy** · 11-24-2006, 10:49 AM

we have an '01 Legacy, there was a recall on clutches that year (factory service bulletin) do to clutch "judder" which seemed worse in damp/cold climates due to swelling of the clutch material. dealers would replace them if you had the bulletin # in hand, otherwise they claimed no knowledge. there was a 40,000 mi. limit on the recall. problem clutches not replaced (Sub. changed the clutch matl. in the model yr.) tended to wear out fairly quickly. you should be able to get one replaced for under a thou. good luck...

**72Twenty** · 11-24-2006, 11:46 PM

My '95 Impreza, 160,000 miles has the orig. clutch.

But it is about due.

Stick it in like 3rd or 4th while the car is stopped and rev it good, then bleed the clutch. If you can let the clutch pedal all the way out while revving the engine in those higher gears and the clutch is slipping, then, well, the clutch is slipping.

**300hp** · 11-25-2006, 03:20 PM

+1 on the exedy sport. It has the same feel as a stock clutch, but is a little bit more burl. Maybe not bad if up/down shifting alot in the mountains. I have one and I put it through waaaaay more than you will, works like a champ.

**triplediamond** · 03-10-2008, 08:49 PM

One thing to check now and then is the clutch adjuster. Most are supposed to be self adjusting but if this fails it could cost you a clutch early. Otherwise it al depends on the driver, but 60,000 miles is not poor, but something is/was wrong. Your mechanic could have fixed the problem while replacing the clutch and not even known it (say just dirty and sticking parts). Unless the clutch problem was happening all the time you probably had something else wrong, actual clutch failure (from wearing out) is usually pretty permanent.

**bagtagley** · 03-11-2008, 08:43 AM

I got about 165K miles out of my clutch before I had it replaced, and even then I only had it done because the engine was gonna be out for HG work...'98 Leg GT.

**khakis** · 03-11-2008, 09:15 AM

I'm afraid you were taken, my friend. Not going into gear smoothly is indicative of poorly adjusted shift linkages or clutch master cylinder pushrod, or possibly bad clutch master or slave cylinder (all cheaper repairs than a new clutch). Slipping or shuddering is indicative of worn clutch. At least you won't have to worry about the clutch for another 100k miles, and hope they fixed the linkage problem while they were in there