Clutch Shudder - AUSTRALIA

[Spinifex]

AUSTRALIA

Can anyone tell me please if there is any such thing as a TSB (does this
mean Technical Service Bulletin??? ) for Subaru AUSTRALIA relating to
the common clutch shudder problem??? I particularly want to know where
I can download or receive an official Bulletin, so I can use it as
ammunition if required.

I want to know if I have any recourse with the service agents as to
replacing my clutch under warranty or recall, as it seems to be a VERY
common problem. If Subaru of America can replace them under warranty,
as several posters here have mentioned, then surely the same applies for
Australian-spec cars???

Can anyone help? My 100,000 km service is coming up, and if I can get
it done under warranty at that time, I think they will be more amicable
in terms of complying with some grand order from Subaru-on-high, rather
than if I insist they do it purely as a separate item.

FWIW: ALL my Subaru's have suffered this problem. My original 1992 2.0
Liberty RS Turbo was bad for it.... my 1985 1.8L NA Leone (L-Series) did
it occasionally.... and my current drive, a 2001 2.0L NA Liberty wagon
does it CONSTANTLY

All help & suggestions appreciated
Spinifex

 

[Losiho]

AUSTRALIA

Can anyone tell me please if there is any such thing as a TSB (does this
mean Technical Service Bulletin??? ) for Subaru AUSTRALIA relating to
the common clutch shudder problem??? I particularly want to know where
I can download or receive an official Bulletin, so I can use it as
ammunition if required.

I want to know if I have any recourse with the service agents as to
replacing my clutch under warranty or recall, as it seems to be a VERY
common problem. If Subaru of America can replace them under warranty,
as several posters here have mentioned, then surely the same applies for
Australian-spec cars???

Can anyone help? My 100,000 km service is coming up, and if I can get
it done under warranty at that time, I think they will be more amicable
in terms of complying with some grand order from Subaru-on-high, rather
than if I insist they do it purely as a separate item.

FWIW: ALL my Subaru's have suffered this problem. My original 1992 2.0
Liberty RS Turbo was bad for it.... my 1985 1.8L NA Leone (L-Series) did
it occasionally.... and my current drive, a 2001 2.0L NA Liberty wagon
does it CONSTANTLY

All help & suggestions appreciated
Spinifex

This problem was "supposedly" rectified in the MY02 Liberty / Outback
upgrade - all MY02s had a dual mass flywheel. I don't know for certain if
this cured the problem, or if the current models still suffer the same
clutch problems.

 

[Gerard]

Hi Spinifex,

I had severe shudder with my 2000 OBLW. Severe enough for the dealer to
agree it was a problem. First showed up significantly at 15,000kms however
had been minor up to that point. Their first solution was that the clutch
plate was uneven and their solution was to rev the car up and ride the
clutch until it started smoking - this fixed it for about a week.

After much complaining at every service they finally replaced the clutch at
30,000. Problem came back within 10,000kms. Managed to get them to replace
it again at 50,000. Problem once again recurred after 10,000kms.

At 75,000 after significant complaining and going direct to Subaru Australia
they agreed to replace the flywheel with the new dual mass setup and
replaced the clutch again however wanted me to pay labour. I agreed and it
ended up costing me about A$900. Problem came back just over 100,000kms but
nowhere near as severe as previously.

I finally got really pissed off with it and had an aftermarket clutch fitted
by MRT in Sydney (www.mrtrally.com.au). Cost A$1200 all up and is
beautifully smooth albeit a bit heavier than the original. It grips like
hell though. Much better on the sand and I occaisionally get 4 wheel chirps
shifting at high revs during spirited driving on tarmac...

I would honestly give up on the warranty thing - its not worth the
heartache. Knowing what I do now, I would have happily bought an aftermarket
clutch after the first 15,000kms as aside from that issue, the car has been
really great.

PS: I have a couple of friends who have gone the aftermarket option with
great results in a 2000 WRX and a 98 Forrester - the Forrester was replaced
once under warranty but also recurred after about 10,000kms.

PPS: I am not in any way affiliated with MRT. However since my car came off
warranty have been very happy with their work. They have installed a full
performance exhaust system (original rusted out 1 month out of warranty),
welded mounts for driving lights to replace the fogs and done my clutch
along with regular servicing and have been very straighforward, helpful, and
easy to deal with.

Regards,

Gerard...

 

[Spinifex]

Thanx Gerard,

Yes... I know of Brett Middleton's workshop, having followed his Rally
exploits with interest

I am in Brisbane, so the full servicing, etc, would be impossible for
me. I still have 2.5 years under the dealers internal used car
warranty, but don't know if htey will void the entire thing if I suggest
or implement an MRT replacement clutch & flywheel assembly. I might
suggest that I pay for parts, if they install at no labour charge as a
warranty trade-off ??? Or perhaps, I should try the other way
around.... I'll pay labour, if they source & supply the MRT kit?

Methinks I will have more success with the first option.

I STILL don't understand why Subaru doesn't acknowledge this as a
genuine manufacturing issue, and recall their clutches. There have been
SOOOO many complaints about it. And mine is only a natural aspirated
2.0L!!!

Spinifex

 

[hippo]

Don't know how it'd go, but if it was me, I'd write to Subaru Australia,
Private Bag #38, PO, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 - att: Service Manager,
copy: Customer Service Mgr.
Be specific about what you see as the problem. Include any info you have
given the dealer and their response. Inlcude ocpies of any relevant work
done or any responses they have made in writing. Ask politely for their
urgent attention, a written response and an inspection if you think it's
appropriate. Can't hurt! BTW - after mkt clutch probably will kill your
warranty but it sounds like it'd fix the problem! Cheers

 

[hippo]

Don't know how it'd go, but if it was me, I'd write to Subaru Australia,
Private Bag #38, PO, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 - att: Service Manager,
copy: Customer Service Mgr.
Be specific about what you see as the problem. (Check address with Subaru
- that's the one in my service book.) Include any info you have given the
dealer and their response. Inlcude copies of any relevant work done or any
responses they have made in writing. Ask politely for their urgent
attention, a written response and an inspection if you think it's
appropriate. Can't hurt! BTW -after mkt clutch probably will kill your
warranty but it sounds like it'd fix the problem! Cheers

 

[Damon McMahon]

Spinifex/Gerard,

Interesting - albeit depressing - reading from both of you.

The clutch on my MY99 Outback (208,000 kms) has been shuddering since
its 200,000 km service. I have no idea if this is the original clutch
since I bought it from its first owner @ 177,000 km.

If anyone in Adelaide has a recommendation for someone to install an
aftermarket clutch I would be grateful.

Regards,
Damon