02 NA WRX: Transmission grind/clutch judder fixed under warranty

[Ben]

Dunno if this is still the hot-button topic it used to be, but my local
dealer (Saunders in Victoria, BC) just fixed this problem, which I've had
since just after purchasing the car in March 2001. They replaced the 1st
gear hub, syncro, and the clutch -- all under warranty.

I know SOA took forever to admit this and deal with it, so if anyone wants a
scan of the receipt (including parts list) for evidence in negotations with
their own dealers, email me at (e-mail address removed)

Ben

 

[Ben]

I should mention I also had most of this work performed in 2001. The
difference in the new work is they've used updated parts from the 2003 or
2004 (not sure) WRX: for example, the first gear ratio has changed slightly.
Although the 2001 work appeared to help at the time, there was no long-term
difference and in hindsight nor was it that much better to begin with, since
after this new service the transmission is so much smoother and cleaner in
first and second. For example, I can easily shift into first at up to 20kph
(haven't tried higher), whereas before the work shifting at even 5kph was
next to impossible and doing so at any speed, even a standstill, caused a
crunch and grind. The other symptom was of course the infamous clutch
shudder pulling away from a stop in first, where sometimes the car would
vibrate noticeably and occasionally would jerk forward in a succession of
quick lurches. Although neither problem was constant, they were both
frequent, and considering the improved behavior of the car after the latest
work there is no question in my mind the 2002 parts were faulty or poorly
designed.

If you own an 02 NA WRX (standard, of course) with problems resembling what
I've described, you owe it to yourself to see the improvement the new parts
make -- before your warranty expires. Although I understand not everybody
has these issues, I assume most 2002 WRX were built with the same parts as
mine, and unless the manufacturing process varies to the degree that some
cars will never experience these problems (which I doubt), even if you own a
"clean" 02 WRX I suggest you take up the issue with your dealer -- again,
before your warranty expires. There is a case to be made that the 02 parts
were faulty, and if enough of us ask for it SOA may comply.

I know David Betts must hate to read this.

Ben