6sp Clutch Issues - Release Bearing??

[Sentinel]

Well, I think it's finally starting to happen... but something is not quite right. Can anyone help??

Approx. 25-30,000km ago, I had a squawking noise on depression / release of the clutch. After 15,000km, Subaru finally heard it and replaced the gearbox release bearing (or something like that) at my last service (approx 9,000km ago). Since then, I noticed that that clutch has not been what I'd call 100%. But I'm no techo expert and Subaru said it was fine. Well, X-mas eve, and phew!! Burning clutch on just about every use of the clutch! Now I don't ride the clutch, I've dropped it twice in some 70,000 for a hard launch, never dragged it on any changes, and I've always used the handbrake on hill starts. Interestingly though, I've not lost any drive (no slippage) in any gear at any speed and no smell created under load. Only when the clutch is in use do I get the smell. I immediately thought that my clutch was cactus, but then with no slip occurring I began to think if it might be the bearing...

Any idea's??

BTW - I've not dragged the car nor tracked it! As much as I've wanted to, I've not got around to it yet!! LOL.

[adhar]

You could get an auto...
Sorry mate.. i couldn't help myself, i've really got nothing constructive to add! lol

If it's the normal clutch burning smell (and not a different kind of smell) i'd say the clutch will be slipping even if it doesn't feel like it. Is it the original clutch plate? So it's now done 70k?

Anyways, good luck getting it sorted.

[Sentinel]

Andrew, yeah, original clutch plate mate. No issues at all till I had the bearing changed...

I think that it smells slightly metallic which is why I thought the clutch, but I've also been told that the bearing could be a graphite unit.

Hmmm...

[Spec B Wgn]

so they replaced the thrust bearing... and the noise went away but now i reckon you have another problem
thats not related.

the smell.... is it like rotten eggs ? burning clutch smell..

you know when you gat a launch wrong and you get that smell ?

perhaps the clutch isnt disengaging fully..

[Sentinel]

Yeah I get that smell.... That's why I thought it was the clutch. Just seems odd to me though that the release bearing was replaced and now this. I've never had a clutch issue in all my years of driving manuals so I figured that I'd ask the group and see what thoughts I get.

Cheers

[smythie]

any resolution? It sounds to me also that it is the clutch not fully disengaging when you have the pedal against the firewall. Silly question, but is there any chance of the car mate slipping up behind the clutch pedal? I know mine does from time to time but it's a dodgy cheap set of mats

The new thrust bearing could also possibly be a little thinner than the old one which would reduce the throw of the clutch pedal and likely cause the clutch to not fully disengage. I'd be very surprised if that happened though but it's not impossible

[Sentinel]

Hey Tony,

Where you been mate - no posting for some time! I thought you had gone MIA like I have...

No resolution, mainly coz the issue seems to disappeared! After a few visits to Subaru and plenty of chats to STi Aust., they are saying that there is nothing wrong with it, including no clutch, bearing, shaft etc. issues at all. And, funnily enough, I've not had a problem with it since about the 3 Jan, save for a very slight smell on the Reefton run on the 17th, but nothing when I got home and I've had nothing since then either. Clutch feel is fine, no slip still, oh and no mat issues either . I rode / balanced the clutch for the first time on a hill start (normally use hand brake) to see if it happened and nothing....

I'm wondering if it was just a one hit wonder that you get sometimes.

[smythie]

Holidays and work. Good to see you back too.

Glad to hear that it's not playing up on you anymore.

[PHAT GT]

what i have noticed on alot of subie's is they acquire a squeeky clutch pedal arm bearing/bush noise (bearing is made of plastic) this bearing/bush can be found at the top of the clutch pedal arm and can be taken for a niose in the gear box as it only appears when the clutch is press

so good old INOX or WD in a spray can will fix this up for quite some time

[Sentinel]

what i have noticed on alot of subie's is they acquire a squeeky clutch pedal arm bearing/bush noise (bearing is made of plastic) this bearing/bush can be found at the top of the clutch pedal arm and can be taken for a niose in the gear box as it only appears when the clutch is press

so good old INOX or WD in a spray can will fix this up for quite some time

Thanks Michael - if it comes back I'll have a crack at it.

[teK--]

what i have noticed on alot of subie's is they acquire a squeeky clutch pedal arm bearing/bush noise (bearing is made of plastic) this bearing/bush can be found at the top of the clutch pedal arm and can be taken for a niose in the gear box as it only appears when the clutch is press

so good old INOX or WD in a spray can will fix this up for quite some time

+1 to this as an effective fix. My clutch pedal started groaning the other day. Have sprayed silicon lube onto the pivot, bush and other moving parts and it is now very silent, smooth, and most of all the pedal action has become substantially lighter.

I thought it was just the clutch on these cars being naturally heavy, but it feels great now.

[Nick3.0R-B]

Ive got this issue also..ive got some WD-40 but don't know where the clutch is under the hood..or is it as simple as spraying from under the dash where the pedals are located.

cheers

[Robbks]

if you look at the rear of the engine, you will see where the gearbox bellhousing bolts to the back of the engine.
on the top you will see the clutch slave cylinder which pushes on a metal arm that pokes directly out of the box.
it has a rubber boot between the arm and the bellhousing.
pull back the boot and lubricate accordingly

[Kekotic]

Rob, is it the rubber boot at the bottom of the metal arm, or the middle (pointing to the side)

I found it impossible to pull the boot up from the bottom of the metal arm, all I managed to do was compress the centre of it in a little, which I am so far unable to get it out , although it doesn't seem to be causing any issue.

I did put WD40 under the other rubber boot that connects halfway up the arm, but I am still getting squeaking.
I'll try again when my dad gets home, as it would be easier to have someone probably pressing the clutch in and out when you try lube it, also that way I will be able to see which spot the squeak is happening.

It's pretty tough if you have a TMIC, as that gets in the way.
I had to take off my STi strut brace to get a bit more arm movement to try move the rubber boots.

[Nick3.0R-B]

Thanks for the reply

Is it possible to upload a photo..im having some trouble location it.

cheers in advance.