Usually the case. The boot on top of the transmission that shields the clutch fork from the elements easily comes out and doesn't easily go back in so it is no wonder why the clutch fork dries up so easily.

Follow up to an earlier post, I finally got word back from my dealer that they ordered a throwout bearing and shift fork. Its on backorder and will probably take a few weeks to get in.

I started having the same issue this week. Crunchy pedal for the last few inches of pedal travel and a squeak. Took it in this morning dealership just told me they're gonna replace the clutch master cylinder. Most of the parts are on backorder so it may take a few days. Seems like most people just had the throwout bearing replaced so I'm curious about my diagnosis.

For reference, my car was built in 03/13, has 19.5k miles and is stock. Met a guy while I was waiting and he had a similar problem and they replaced his entire clutch. I'd recommend anyone who is worried about it just take it in, especially if you're in warranty. They didn't give me any hassles

I've replaced the master and slave cylinder already. It literally has nothing to do with the problem. They are just starting from the cheapest fix and will realize that that didn't fix anything and will have to open the transmission.

Trust me I had the same reaction when I talked to the tech. I didn't push it for now but hopefully the collection of bills Toyota is about to get from me and all the others will push them for a TSB. Seems to me my best move will probably be using the hell out of the warranty then going aftermarket after.

I love this car and was planning on keeping it for a long time but now I'm going to be about paranoid about life after warranty. My itch for an NSX is slowly coming back.

I have the same sound, dealer change all clutch under warranty! But after that, i dont like the feeling of my shifter... feel more loose

Same issue here, the dealer stated that they could not replicate the noise so I was sent on my way.

I'm going to there after I drive around a bit, it usually makes that crunchy pedal feeling w/ the squeak after I've driven it around a bit. Then take it back to the dealer.

Reading this thread makes me realize how grateful I am that this car was made. It is an econobox with econobox parts. Toyota/Subaru are getting punched in the nuts with all the repair bills. I am not sure what their bottom line will look like when all is said and done. But - I can anticipate them upgrading the components and charging more. Or just charging more with superficial changes. When a dealer jumps on the opportunity to replace an entire transmission / clutch assembly for a relatively minor issue with a $2 part - that has to hurt eventually.

I picked up my BRZ knowing full well that I was going to upgrade the shitty stuff to better stuff because I really like the platform. I have 8500 miles and I am on my third clutch and third set of TOBs. (I never had a problem with any of the TOBs - they were replaced along with clutches - that's another story)

Anyway - I feel bad for folks that are having issues but I can see where this is all headed :)

On top of that - most of these parts come from the same damn factories whether it is OEM or aftermarket. The one part that I worry about over time is the AISIN transmission. Not a ton of options to upgrade there. Anyway - my 2 cents for what it's worth.
:burnrubber:

You really think more expensive cars use better parts? Keep dreaming. If it's mass produced, then every penny possible is cut where you can't see it.

Mine started making this squeak noise as well. With hood open, it's clearly coming from the clutch fork. Anyone tried pulling the rubber boot back and spraying grease in there?

Mine just started making this noise as well. Guess I'll be taking it to the dealership on my days off. :(

Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket throw out bearing that someone sells? I've searched around and only thing i've been able to find are aftermarket clutch kits. Mine's started going out also but i'm thinking, is the OEM really any good if it went out after just 15k miles?

Toyota just called me and said they will not be able to replace the throw out bearing under warranty because my car has a supercharger on it. Not very happy at the moment but I guess you gotta pay to play.

Mine sounded exactly like this.

I'll answer my own question.

Pulled back the rubber boot around the clutch fork today and sprayed white lithium grease randomly inside the housing (with clutch in and out) and the squeak went away and it feels buttery smooth now.

Protips:
1) The bottle doesn't spray upside down, which makes maneuvering it into place difficult. It is possible to orient the can vertically on the drivers side of the bell housing to spray in grease.
2) Put a piece of tape to tether the spray straw to the can. The first one I had fell off into the bell housing.

I'll report back later on how long this fix lasts.