2004 Liberty/Legacy 2.5NA Clutch

[Shane White]

Have test driven two of these vehicles recently and noticed that if I
change gear above 3000rpm, a lot of high frequency vibration can be
felt in the clutch pedal through the sole of my shoe. Note this is not
clutch shudder - it is vibration in the pedal which can be felt when
disenganging and engaging the clutch. Has anyone else noticed this?

Shane.

 

[Henry Paul]

I have experienced this on my '96 Impreza. I have not been able to determine
the cause, but I think it might be related to the cable rubbing against
something (the cable guard perhaps?) while the pedal is in motion. It seems
to be speed/rpm independent as well.

 

[Shane White]

Henry, I am not sure on this but I think that the 2004/2005 year model
Liberty's use a hydraulic clutch. Otherwise yes, it does sound like an
issue with the clutch cable. Anyway the dealerships I have dealt with
don't want to pursue the issue.

 

[Henry Paul]

Hmmm, that is not fair. Is the vibration strictly RPM related, or does the
distance of depression on the pedal affect it as well? My guess would be
that maybe you are getting some vibration from the throw-out bearing against
the slave cylinder and that is being transmitted up to the pedal.

 

[Shane White]

According to Subaru of Australia, the vibration is caused by a new
clutch driven plate material used to combat the well known clutch
shudder symptom. Why don't Holden (GM), Honda or Mazda experience all
of this in their clutches?????

 

[Shane White]

Thought I would post an update.
Apparently the vibration is being caused by the exhaust between 3000
and 3500 rpm - causing vibration to be induced in the gearbox and then
into the clutch and clutch pedal.
Could just be a fitment issue and does vary from car to car. Explains
why the clutch is very nice to use below 3000rpm.
Waiting to have this rectified.