Is the 02 WRX a dud???

[BD]

Hey, all...

I'm coming to the end of my lease for an 02 WRX wagon.

I'm assessing whether I want to buy it out or let it go.

I've been through the clutch shudder fiasco with this car, to the tune
of 3 clutch replacements over a several-month period (clutch shudder,
followed by the release bearing giving out altogether, followed by the
'noise on deceleration' problem) The shudder and decel noise are both
issues I've read about on the NASIOC forums.

I've just gone through the 'warranty denied' section of the forums, and
even though the most recent post is quite recent, there's an inordinate
number of postings regarding the 02 WRX.

I've also been having first gear synchro issues, and I'm about to go
meet the regional service rep to discuss the matter. The dealer has
already used the 'abuse' accusation, although they have never stepped
foot in my car while I'm driving.

So... is the 02 a dud, or what? Is it just me, or are there an
inordinate number of issues with the 02 WRX?

BD

 

[Jesse]

Hey, all...

I'm coming to the end of my lease for an 02 WRX wagon.

I'm assessing whether I want to buy it out or let it go.

I've been through the clutch shudder fiasco with this car, to the tune
of 3 clutch replacements over a several-month period (clutch shudder,
followed by the release bearing giving out altogether, followed by the
'noise on deceleration' problem) The shudder and decel noise are both
issues I've read about on the NASIOC forums.

I've just gone through the 'warranty denied' section of the forums, and
even though the most recent post is quite recent, there's an inordinate
number of postings regarding the 02 WRX.

I've also been having first gear synchro issues, and I'm about to go
meet the regional service rep to discuss the matter. The dealer has
already used the 'abuse' accusation, although they have never stepped
foot in my car while I'm driving.

So... is the 02 a dud, or what? Is it just me, or are there an
inordinate number of issues with the 02 WRX?

BD

Hey BD,

The clutch shudder problem has happened to me as well. It usually
occurs when the weather is bad. It only happens when releasing the
clutch into first. Try lowering the RPMs to right above the stall point
or revving to more than 2500 RPM, then release the clutch. That's how I
get around the shudder. The clutch problem only happens for the first
few stop-n-starts on my '02 WRX Wagon. Good luck.

P.S. A new or almost new Honda/Toyota/Kia will cost the same as your WRX
Wagon, depending on how many miles you put on it.

Jesse Campbell

 

[BD]

The clutch shudder problem has happened to me as well. It usually

occurs when the weather is bad. It only happens when releasing the
clutch into first. Try lowering the RPMs to right above the stall point
or revving to more than 2500 RPM, then release the clutch. That's how I
get around the shudder. The clutch problem only happens for the first
few stop-n-starts on my '02 WRX Wagon. Good luck.

Actually, the clutch shudder ain't the problem anymore. After the 3rd
change, I got one that's worked fine from that point.

Problem now is ... well, I was gonna say the synchros, but I'm thinking
it actually might be me that's the problem.

Had the regional service manager come by and take it for a spin. He
found no problem. Tried to replicate the issue of first gear grinding,
and could not.

After we decided it wasn't going to happen, I took off, and promptly
got first gear to grind from a full stop. Clutch went in, I put the
shifter in, and BZZZZT! it slammed in.

I wonder if I'm just not giving enough time between when I put the
clutch in, and when I put the shifter in. I dunno.

 

[Jesse]

Actually, the clutch shudder ain't the problem anymore. After the 3rd
change, I got one that's worked fine from that point.

Problem now is ... well, I was gonna say the synchros, but I'm thinking
it actually might be me that's the problem.

Had the regional service manager come by and take it for a spin. He
found no problem. Tried to replicate the issue of first gear grinding,
and could not.

After we decided it wasn't going to happen, I took off, and promptly
got first gear to grind from a full stop. Clutch went in, I put the
shifter in, and BZZZZT! it slammed in.

I wonder if I'm just not giving enough time between when I put the
clutch in, and when I put the shifter in. I dunno.

that's possible, i do that once in a while when i'm tired. that
grinding noise happens from neutral to any gear if you don't push the
clutch pedal all the way down and then try to shift.