Yet Another Transmission Problem
 

Turbocharged my BRZ at about 90K over Pandemic 2020. JDL kit with the Garret 2867GTX. Awesome kit! I replaced my clutch, flywheel, etc. over the winter of 2019. ACT XD with the heavier flywheel.

Fast forward to about a month ago, my car will not go in to first or reverse from a stop. I've been coasting into first when I come to a stop and it seems to want to go in gear at like 10-5mph. Putting it into gear with the engine off is no problem and the clutch seems to be fully disengaged when I press the pedal.

Initially, I noticed my clutch soft line was "wet". Was pretty sure I had a leak so I replaced it. Was fine initially, but after a couple miles, the problem started again. Did some research and thought it was the slave cylinder. I replaced it a re-bled everything the day before a 1700 mi road trip. Didn't fix the issue.

I'm kind of at a loss for what to do next beside buy a new (to me) transmission. Any advice is welcome.

She seems to shift just fine through every gear while moving, it's just that getting it in first or reverse from a stop is nearly impossible with the engine on.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

You may have to adjust the reverse lock out bracket on the shifter mount. Its the one that has the 4 bolts holding the shifter in the mount. Slide it more to the left and you should be good.

Is this something that can loosen over time? I've had the clutch in the car for over year with no issues until recently.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

That for sure can happen. Thats not so weird. More power means more vibrations which means bolts could loosen a little bit. Its a cheap check so I’d recommend that first before you purchase a new trans. The issue you describe is what happened right after i did my clutch change. Nearly impossible to shift into 1st and reverse gears easily.

It's the clutch.

I had 1st gear lockout issues with my ACT clutch -- same symptoms once the car was slightly warmed up. Never solved the issue.

This sounds like clutch drag and is a common issue with the ACT clutches on this platform for some reason. You could try raising the clutch pedal for a longer throw but it's usually the ACT clutch at fault. I'd suggest either a SB stage 2 daily or exedy stage 1. Good luck

When you say "never solved" are you just dealing with it or did you replace the clutch and they went away?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I'm having a hard time finding evidence of ACT being the problem. Other folks here seem to be having the same exact issue with two different clutch brands:
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


Clutch issue?: Sometimes I can't shift into gear from a stop.

(If that link doesn't work, I replied to it today in "Technical Topics" -> "Issues, warranty, [something]")

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Replaced the FR-S w/ the ACT with a newer BRZ. Then replaced the BRZ. :lol:

From my research, most people experiencing this issue with aftermarket clutches go back to stock or some Exedy.

From doing research before buying my SB stage 2 daily it seemed this issue happened the most on ACT kits. Put 10k on the SB kit so far so good with only sti motor and tranny mounts. I've read loosened pressure plate bolts could also cause a similar issue that's the last thing I could think of. Like you said the clutch system is simple there's only so much that could go wrong.

I have the exact problem with the ACT clutch and I have even gone so far to take it out and send it in for warranty. They told me it was fine, the shop reinstalled it, and 500 miles later I was dealing with the problem again. Subaru dealership told me it sounds like bad install but they want $900 just to get in there and look. I think I am going to buy an Exedy and replace it myself soon

I am so happy to see this, I been having this issue. Only way around this for me was to keep it in gear the whole time. But now I stopped driving car until I replace clutch. I call ACT and they said never heard anyone having issues. They are no help!

A shop who did my build said he had 7 FRS/BRZ all with the same problem and all in ACT clutches. I had a SBC and it went out on me when I was on low boost and and only if for six months. That is only reason switched to ACT since people swore by them. But it was other platforms (Honda mostly)

Now I might go back to SBC or maybe exedy. Problem is I am boosted and about 300lbs of trq.