Extremely weird clutch failure

[norcalpb]

I think the most frustrating part of this all is that this was my first manual car where I knew how to drive manual already. It was like a fresh start from learning on an e36 and e46 for 2 years. I treated my BRZ's clutch so well and even did things to do to preserve the TOB from 20k miles+.

Just what a waste it would be to have to get a new clutch after treating it so well. My biggest fear is every 70k the oem TOB is going to cause havoc inside of my clutch and I'm going to have to replace everything every time.

I want an oem clutch but is there a better TOB or even a revised version?

[reeves]

Has your car ever been in any accidents or mishaps at the shop? Not saying that's what caused your TOB problem.. just curious.

It's funny how crap happens when we take such care not to have it happen. I remember the first time I bought my tC back in '09, I was paranoid about rock chips on my car or getting my rims/wheels messed up. Within the first few weeks, I got a big crack on my windshield from rocks/object off a truck on the highway.. and a week later a flat tire & scrapes on my rim from a road debris. After that, it wasn't perfect anymore, so I drove my car like I didn't care = no more incidents.

I took the same approach after buying my BRZ, just drove it like I stole it.. no incidents so far. :fingerscrossed:

[norcalpb]

No I don't think so...you mean like a mechanic taking it for a hot ride or something?


And Tcoat just to be clear you think replacing the clutc fork with say the Velox unit will help against future failures?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by thomasmryan

Most older stamped fork Subarus have a stainless repair sleeve for the transmission snout where the plastic insert/bushing of the throw out bearing slides. The abrasive dust wears from the clutch wears the plastic and the snout and it becomes uncentered.

Where does one acquire one of these repair sleeves? I've considered doing a custom rework of mine. Even if it doesn't fit I could get some idea.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

My standard response to TOB issues is when you get it fixed make sure you upgrade the fork as well. Seems the fork on these don't do well with increased HP.

My take on the fork upgrade is that it is not addressing the root issue. I pulled my transmission because I could feel my clutch pedal starting to bind for the reason discussed above.

I cleaned and regreased mine a year ago. Been fine so far but I'm waiting for the second coat of clutch dust to build up.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Icecreamtruk

Almost nobody rev-matches.

I taught him that.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by 8RZ

I don't even use the clutch to shift, it's very easy and won't grind once you get the timing right.

........ now, 8RZ ....... don't be given these guys any ideas ....... most of them have enough problems shifting gears ...... using a clutch ......




humfrz

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

My take on the fork upgrade is that it is not addressing the root issue. I pulled my transmission because I could feel my clutch pedal starting to bind for the reason discussed above.

I cleaned and regreased mine a year ago. Been fine so far but I'm waiting for the second coat of clutch dust to build up.

I was actually referring to guys that upgrade the clutch to something heavier.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by norcalpb

No I don't think so...you mean like a mechanic taking it for a hot ride or something?


And Tcoat just to be clear you think replacing the clutc fork with say the Velox unit will help against future failures?

Ya I wasn't clear. The fork upgrade is more important if you are going with a heavier clutch to deal with the increased HP. If sticking too OEM just make sure well lubed like Ultra said.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

My standard response to TOB issues is when you get it fixed make sure you upgrade the fork as well. Seems the fork on these don't do well with increased HP.

Me and a good group of owners I personally know with 2013-14 cars pushing 500+ hp and heavy clutches have never had problems with the fork... I feel like this "Fork is weak, replace it" mentality was just something manufactured from a few rare cases and it became popular. This is just IMHO.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

Me and a good group of owners I personally know with 2013-14 cars pushing 500+ hp and heavy clutches have never had problems with the fork... I feel like this "Fork is weak, replace it" mentality was just something manufactured from a few rare cases and it became popular. This is just IMHO.

There are always exceptions. There are many cases of fork failure recorded and it is a better safe than sorry situation as far as I look at it. Not like it is a massive cost.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are always exceptions. There are many cases of fork failure recorded and it is a better safe than sorry situation as far as I look at it. Not like it is a massive cost.

That's true, not a massive cost and if you've already removed the transmission why not.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

That's true, not a massive cost and if you've already removed the transmission why not.

Exactly.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

Me and a good group of owners I personally know with 2013-14 cars pushing 500+ hp and heavy clutches have never had problems with the fork... I feel like this "Fork is weak, replace it" mentality was just something manufactured from a few rare cases and it became popular. This is just IMHO.

Totally agree. Having held the unit in my experienced hands, I find it plenty strong enough. Now the squeaky pivot, that's another story. I'd get fired advocating for an expensive solution using a sintered bronze insert.