Loud 'Squeak' Noise From Clutch?

[Brndn704]

Originally Posted by Justin.b

I can't tell you why it works like that. Just seems to be a really common failure in Subarus (I have an outback making this noise right now - will install a sleeve once my FR-S is back from the dealer) and the symptoms are exactly as described.

I think some people experience a heat-related element also, in that the sound is louder in cold weather.

-Justin

I've seen numerous threads about Subaru cars with the same issue. You would think they (Subaru) would get the hint by now and engineer a better part.

Mine seems to be the opposite however, It was colder today than yesterday. Yesterday it made the noise, today it did not. I did not drive the car today, just went out in the garage and let it sit running idle for about 10 minutes to see if it would replicate the sound again, and of course it doesn't.

I know cars aren't indestructible, I just hate having these types of issues when I'm not even at 50k miles. Most clutches/clutch components last up until at least 100k. At least in my other cars they have.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Brndn704

I've seen numerous threads about Subaru cars with the same issue. You would think they (Subaru) would get the hint by now and engineer a better part.

They don't engineer that part, they buy it from Exedy to my knowledge. I believe they can pay for a better part, but Subaru doesn't want to pay for it. Say a $10 upcharge gives you a bearing that outlasts the clutch material, Subaru has built or will build at least 200,000 86's, that's a cool $2 million in their pocket for picking the cheaper bearing.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by humfrz

It's my understanding, that the release bearing (throw out bearing), does NOT normally go round and round, when the clutch is NOT depressed ..........


humfrz

When we had to manually adjust our clutches there was a spring that pulled the clutch fork towards the disengaged position. We had to maintain a little dead zone to make sure the clutch could fully engage.

With automatically adjusting hydraulic clutches, a spring in the slave cylinder maintains an ever-so-slight pressure on the assembly so the TO bearing spins all the time. It normally lasts just fine because there's no real load on it.

When it's beginning to fail, the bearing sticks in the at-rest position. The squeak goes away when the extra force of depressing the clutch forces it to turn with the pressure plate fingers.

Still, by the time it reaches that point, there's a bunch of heat and wear on the pressure plate fingers while it's squeaking, and way more when the blown bearing is spinning.

OP needs to jump on it like yesterday while he only needs to replace the TO bearing. Any longer and he'll be replacing the pressure plate and the transmission front cover (snout).

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Brndn704

Thats what I couldn't understand myself. Like I said, I'm not very mechanically inclined when it comes to transmissions/clutches but I do know what moves and what doesn't. But you are correct. The noise ONLY happens when car is in neutral and the clutch is NOT depressed. The moment I put even the slightest amount of pressure on the clutch/pedal the noise disappears. Maybe I should take it to the dealership just to see if it is something that is covered under the power train warranty???

I'm really new at this sort of thing. I'm more of a suspension component guy myself.

Well, now, @Brndn704, whatever is making that noise will most likely not fix itself and just get worse.

Whether it's a bad release bearing (TOB), a broken or loose clutch spring, a bad front bearing, a warn or dry clutch fork, a separated clutch disk or a warped pressure plate ...... it should be fixed.

So, like said up above, the time (labor) is the expensive part. While they have it opened up, they might as well replace the clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and clutch fork.

Sorry about that .......


humfrz

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

When we had to manually adjust our clutches there was a spring that pulled the clutch fork towards the disengaged position. We had to maintain a little dead zone to make sure the clutch could fully engage.

With automatically adjusting hydraulic clutches, a spring in the slave cylinder maintains an ever-so-slight pressure on the assembly so the TO bearing spins all the time. It normally lasts just fine because there's no real load on it.

When it's beginning to fail, the bearing sticks in the at-rest position. The squeak goes away when the extra force of depressing the clutch forces it to turn with the pressure plate fingers.

Still, by the time it reaches that point, there's a bunch of heat and wear on the pressure plate fingers while it's squeaking, and way more when the blown bearing is spinning.

OP needs to jump on it like yesterday while he only needs to replace the TO bearing. Any longer and he'll be replacing the pressure plate and the transmission front cover (snout).

WELL, I'LL BE DANGED! .............. ol humfrz stands corrected .....

My brain's "throw out bearing" got stuck back in the day (pre 1980s) when they shouldn't spin all the time.

Thanks, @Ultramaroon for bringing this old coot into the present century ....


humfrz

[Brndn704]

Interesting enough I was going through my paperwork on the car and was looking at the warranty. According to the paperwork on "power train" warranty under the transmission clause, the bearing(s) are covered.

Ive read on here that the dealerships do not cover the throw out bearing? Has anyone actually fought this? The reason I ask is because any other bearing on the car is covered. The throw out bearing is not really a "wear" item like the clutch or brakes. The wheel bearings are covered, the engine bearings are covered, etc. Just curious before I spend $$$ out of pocket that I don't necessarily have to spend.

[pantdino]

Originally Posted by Brndn704

Interesting enough I was going through my paperwork on the car and was looking at the warranty. According to the paperwork on "power train" warranty under the transmission clause, the bearing(s) are covered.

Ive read on here that the dealerships do not cover the throw out bearing? Has anyone actually fought this? The reason I ask is because any other bearing on the car is covered. The throw out bearing is not really a "wear" item like the clutch or brakes. The wheel bearings are covered, the engine bearings are covered, etc. Just curious before I spend $$$ out of pocket that I don't necessarily have to spend.

I agree with this and think Toybaru is being dishonest in saying the TO bearing is a wear item. Brake pads and clutch disks are friction material which wear. Bearings are not.

[Brndn704]

I'm honestly surprised they haven't put out a recall on these cars yet, I've read countless threads about the throw out bearing now. Lesson learned on buying a first year car.

I take that back, apparently 2014's and 15's are having the same issues. I just hope the warranty holds true and it does get replaced. I'll find out later this week.

[spicyricecake]

I have this issue, but to a much lesser extent. Clutch makes a socket wrench noise when being depressed. I also have some weird screech noises during start up.
Taking the car in this sat for a 18k maintenance, and will bring it up.

[86zn6]

What is the solution to this? I think my 2015 GT86 also have the exact same problem.