slipping clutch i do believe

[parker w.]

alright guys I''m super new to all this stuff. I'm a 16 year old just
bought my first car. It's a 97 impreza outback. Shes gorgeous i love
her. However, I am noticing that my clutch is slipping even when it is
engaged. (pedal all the way up) My rpms constantly go up and down. When
I do press down the clutch, it barely takes anything to allow me to
change gears. Is there any way I can tighten the clutch somehow? thanks!

 

[johninKY]

There has to be a clutch adjustment. Look for a threaded rod around the
bellhousing area. Problem is the clutch is now probably beyond saving.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

alright guys I''m super new to all this stuff. I'm a 16 year old just
bought my first car. It's a 97 impreza outback. Shes gorgeous i love
her. However, I am noticing that my clutch is slipping even when it is
engaged. (pedal all the way up) My rpms constantly go up and down. When
I do press down the clutch, it barely takes anything to allow me to
change gears. Is there any way I can tighten the clutch somehow? thanks!

Likely the clutch is just worn out - they are wear items and, depending
on driving 'style' and conditions (highway driving versus
city/stop-n-go) clutches can last a widely varying length of time - used
up in 20-30 thousand miles - or lasting well over 80K miles I guess.
I THINK you have a hydraulic clutch and likely adjusting it will not
help. Folks here or at www.ultimatesubaru.org can likely help you change
it or locate a mechanic in your area for the work.

What city and how many miles on the car?

Carl

 

[parker w.]

Likely the clutch is just worn out - they are wear items and, depending
on driving 'style' and conditions (highway driving versus
city/stop-n-go) clutches can last a widely varying length of time - used
up in 20-30 thousand miles - or lasting well over 80K miles I guess.
I THINK you have a hydraulic clutch and likely adjusting it will not
help. Folks here or at www.ultimatesubaru.org can likely help you change
it or locate a mechanic in your area for the work.

What city and how many miles on the car?

Carl

I'm over in hillsboro, portland area. The guy I bought it from had it
up in North Portland. its got 130k on it, first clutch. I did tighten
the nut piece, as it was slipping while engaged, unfortunetly however,
I'm still going to have to replace it. Should I replace just the clutch
or the whole tranny?

 

[Rick Courtright]

I'm still going to have to replace it. Should I replace just the > clutch or the whole tranny?

Hi,

As long as the gearbox shifts ok, there's probably no need to get past
the clutch...

Normal "clutch job" parts list should include a new clutch disc, a new
pressure plate, a new throw out bearing, and a new pilot bushing (the
little "bearing" in the rear of the crankshaft the center shaft of the
trans rides in. It's a good idea to inspect the flywheel for damage and
replace it if it's burned or badly worn. Some cars allow machining of a
damaged flywheel, but I understand Subie flywheels aren't great
candidates for that operation. I believe your car has the hydraulic
clutch, and some would suggest a new slave cylinder, but I'm on the
fence about messing w/ the hydraulics if they're working. On older
models that use a cable, this is a good time to renew it.

Suggest using "new" parts if you have a choice (frequently the clutch
discs and pressure plates can be had as "rebuilt" or new) Also suggest
biting the bullet for price and using Subaru OEM parts in there.
Replacing a clutch is enough work you don't want to get it all buttoned
up and find someone didn't do a good job of rebuilding something!

Good luck!

Rick

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I'm over in hillsboro, portland area. The guy I bought it from had it
up in North Portland. its got 130k on it, first clutch. I did tighten
the nut piece, as it was slipping while engaged, unfortunetly however,
I'm still going to have to replace it. Should I replace just the clutch
or the whole tranny?

Um....Why would you feel the transmission needs replacement? Normally,
one would replace the clutch disc but inspect a few thing while the area
was visible - the pressure plate for instance and seals, etc. But
usually just the clutch - not the transmission, is worn out.

Maybe someone can suggest a good mechanic in your area and have the
vehicle thoruoghly inspected.

Carl

 

[nobody >]

I'm over in hillsboro, portland area. The guy I bought it from had it
up in North Portland. its got 130k on it, first clutch. I did tighten
the nut piece, as it was slipping while engaged, unfortunetly however,
I'm still going to have to replace it. Should I replace just the clutch
or the whole tranny?

Even though they connect, the clutch and the transmission are two
separate components of the drivetrain. If the transmission was working
with no funny noises or funny shifting problems (agreed, kind of hard to
tell with a slipping clutch), keep it. It wouldn't be a bad idea to open
up the transmission to look for problems though. Most tranny shops do a
minor overhaul of replacing some bearings and possibly synchros for not
a huge amount of money.

 

[parker w.]

thanks a bunch you guys. its nice to see that some folks still enjoy
helping each other, including a 16 year old skate rat who you've
probably yelled at to "get off the sidewalk!" I ended up buying a new
clutch kit, so tomorrow's chore is to replace it. All right I'm
excited. Thanks again guys!

 

[Rick Courtright]

thanks a bunch you guys. its nice to see that some folks still enjoy
helping each other, including a 16 year old skate rat who you've
probably yelled at to "get off the sidewalk!" I ended up buying a new
clutch kit, so tomorrow's chore is to replace it.

Hi,

I hope you have a book to refer to as you do this chore... one thing
that's a good idea is to get some blue Loc-tite and use it on all the
mounting bolts (flywheel, pressure plate) in there, and be sure to
torque 'em to spec. You don't want anything working loose in there
later.

Now "get off the sidewalk" and get to work!

Best of luck--keep us posted on progress (or problems?)

Rick

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

thanks a bunch you guys. its nice to see that some folks still enjoy
helping each other, including a 16 year old skate rat who you've
probably yelled at to "get off the sidewalk!" I ended up buying a new
clutch kit, so tomorrow's chore is to replace it. All right I'm
excited. Thanks again guys!

If you can find a neighbor that has done this kinda work before, offer
to buy a case of 'sodas' to come by and offer moral support and an
occasional helping hand. Reassembly can be tricky.

good luck!

Carl

 

[parker w.]

Alright I have run into a problem. Within the clutch kit there were two
bearings. the throw out bearing I know and have installed, However, I
am having a hell of a time getting the second one out of the fly wheel.
It seems to be jammed in there pretty good. Any suggestions on getting
it out? I dont really feel like taking off the fly wheel, but if need
be I guess I might have to. Thanks already!

 

[Martin Whybrow]

Alright I have run into a problem. Within the clutch kit there were two
bearings. the throw out bearing I know and have installed, However, I
am having a hell of a time getting the second one out of the fly wheel.
It seems to be jammed in there pretty good. Any suggestions on getting
it out? I dont really feel like taking off the fly wheel, but if need
be I guess I might have to. Thanks already!

This usually works; find a rod (preferably soft metal like brass or ally) or
dowel that's a close fit inside the pilot bearing. Pack the inside of the
old bearing with grease, insert the rod into the bearing then hit it with a
mallet; the hydraulic force usually forces it out first go. Probably a good
idea to wear safety glasses when you do this, the grease will probably
squirt out along with the bearing