Clutch (I'm pretty sure) issues

[Acme_Explosives]

Just picked up my liberty the other night and whilst taking off from a stand still I rode the clutch pretty heavily (just getting used to it) and and it made a screeching/chirping noise noise, I assume this was the clutch starting to slip? It's done 77k and has all maintenance paperwork so I can see its still on its original clutch.

If I take of correctly with the appropriate clutch accelerator balance its fine and It doesn't slip (noticeably anyway) at any other point. But I've done it a few more times (to hear the noise and assess its location) and it defiantly does it under high load riding of the clutch.

My question are;

1. Am I correct in assuming that this is the clutch slipping?

2. If so how long before it is truly fucked (I know it should really be replaced ASAP but if I could get away with it till after Christmas it would save a lot of hassle)?

3. When replacement time comes are there any recommendations on what I should use? I.e aftermarket or genuine?

4. I'm happy to pay to get the job done properly, but having said that any guides on what I will be looking at?

5. Is there anything I should be looking at getting done while the gearbox is off?

From what I have heard STechnic are the guys to see in Perth so I will most probably be getting the work done by them.

If anyone could chuck in their two cents with advice or information it would much appreciated.

Cheers

Dan.

[Robbks]

the chirp is the stupid noisy springs in the dual mass flywheel setup.
i donubt it would have worrn the clutch plate completely in only 77k's

completely replacing the entire flywheel and clutch is a good option
when the time comes and Doug and the guys at Stechnic will look after you

[Acme_Explosives]

Cheers for the tip.

I'm not sure I described the sound accurately it sounds kinda like screeching disk brakes on a mountain bike, it bloody awful.

If it is indeed the springs in the flywheel is it doing any damage to the clutch or flywheel itself or just to my ears and the nerves of pedestrians?

when it does come time to replace how can I avoid the same thing happening again?

Cheers,

Dan

[bigBADbenny]

Slip will be most noticeable doing a power pull in 4th or 5th eg on the freeway.
Feels like a slight shudder.
Mine is on the way out at 170K but still usable and fun in DD, no screeching etc at low revs.
I've heard of disintegrating clutches ruining output shafts when abused (Suzuki van belonging to a mate)
Get a single mass FW conversion kit and maybe even a custom clutch built to your intended use/power level etc if so inclined. Im open to correction of course

Also screeching can be alternator belts slipping?

[Mark123]

Hey Mate,

I had this exact same problem at close to 100,000 kms.

It is the flywheel, apparently the early model "dual mass" flywheels weren't that great. The options are either replace the dual mass with a new one, which is stupidly expensive, like $2,000 plus or something, or you can do a "single mass" clutch conversion.

I did the second option. However I do have some advice to give you. I went cheap and got a bottom of the range OEM replacement by excedy. Good brand and everything but the clutch is shit. I would stick to a Subaru specialist/ genuine parts. You can ask your mecahnic to get subaru kits. They cost $1,000 for the whole lot. I only saved $150-200 so in hindsight I should've gone with genuine so I had a quality clutch made for a Subaru.

Hope you don't have the same crappy feeling cheap clutch as an end result like me. Good luck.

[Zaccy182]

Cheers for the tip.
I'm not sure I described the sound accurately it sounds kinda like screeching disk brakes on a mountain bike, it bloody awful.

I used to have exact thing in my impreza rs... Im fairly sure its just wearing/grinding at the clutch on impropper take off and thats the noise it will make to let you know (I also did the same thing neumours times in the first month or so of ownership) I quickly worked out how to not make the noise and had the car for about 20,000kms (then sold it to get the lib) with no issues except slight shuddering when it was cold... (so maybe the clutch was on the way out but it was 200k kms + old)

you should be fine, just take it easy untill you start working it out

[d-chang]

Yeah don't worry about the above mentioned noise you are hearing... it is the dual mass fly wheel set up on these cars... I have been quoted about $1800 to convert it to a single mass set up... so just deciding now whether if I can justify the cost vs keeping the car etc. And to make things more exciting... my check engine light and cruise has come up now, indicating an 02 sensor fault... great. But have fun with the Subi... they are heaps of fun around corners!

[Acme_Explosives]

Cheers everyone for the advice.

Having something like that happen the first evening I owned it gave me that sinking feeling, but I'm feeling much better now.

Took her out for a four hour drive out the back of Perth to the Serpentine Dam, through Dwellingup through Pinjarra and back to Freo via Mandurah. There are some great corners out in the hills around Jarrahdale and Dwellingup. Car preformed awesome, never skipped a beat. Got some great snaps of the car in amongst the wilderness too.

Cheers

Dan

[rocksy85]

dont take it to maximum motorsport to get done they ripped me off, n didnt fix the noise in mine

[cooki_monsta]

Hey Mate,

I had this exact same problem at close to 100,000 kms.

It is the flywheel, apparently the early model "dual mass" flywheels weren't that great. The options are either replace the dual mass with a new one, which is stupidly expensive, like $2,000 plus or something, or you can do a "single mass" clutch conversion.

I did the second option. However I do have some advice to give you. I went cheap and got a bottom of the range OEM replacement by excedy. Good brand and everything but the clutch is shit. I would stick to a Subaru specialist/ genuine parts. You can ask your mecahnic to get subaru kits. They cost $1,000 for the whole lot. I only saved $150-200 so in hindsight I should've gone with genuine so I had a quality clutch made for a Subaru.

Hope you don't have the same crappy feeling cheap clutch as an end result like me. Good luck.

What are your thoughts on the Exedy Heavy Duty conversion? I've seen the kit go for $799. I'd be DIY installing it.

[d-chang]

Hey Dan,

This is a bit of a side topic, but you should join us on the next cruise...

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=19047

[Acme_Explosives]

Hey Dan,

This is a bit of a side topic, but you should join us on the next cruise...

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=19047

Cheers man!

If the car isn't in the shop, I'm in.

[blademaster]

What are your thoughts on the Exedy Heavy Duty conversion? I've seen the kit go for $799. I'd be DIY installing it.

I had one for my 5MT box, and it was fantastic. Once you wear it in, finding that point just became so much easier...

Excedy HD organic.

[bigBADbenny]

I visited Makin & Luby in Preston recently and asked about dual to single mass clutch conversion kits.
They have a solution: for under $1K complete, speak to Ashley, and mention Club.Liberty.

[Mark123]

What are your thoughts on the Exedy Heavy Duty conversion? I've seen the kit go for $799. I'd be DIY installing it.[/quote]

I personally got the OEM replacement one and would recommend getting the heavy duty instead. The OEM is very light and doesn't feel that strong etc

$799 seems pretty cheap, are you sure that includes the single mass flywheel?