Broken clutch plate

[simxs]

Had a bit(!) of a problem with my clutch a few weeks back. All of a sudden, the clutch would only partially engage (4000rpm for 60km/h in 4th gear) and wouldn't fully disengage when the pedal was pushed. Luckily this happened only a few suburbs away from home and my local mechanic's shop.

The NRMA organised a tow truck to the workshop (mechanic was rather surprosed to see me again so soon after having fitted new tyres and starter) and I left the car with them to fit a new Exedy clutch and solid flywheel in place of the OEM dual-mass (ie squeaky) unit.

$2200 later the car was drivable again although there is more vibration through the drive train at low revs under load with the solid flywheel. Clutch pedal is much lighter and the engagement point is higher but more sudden - it's taken a bit of getting used to.

They binned my old flywheel so I didn't get a look at it but attached is a pic of the old clutch, including pressure plate broken into three pieces!

 

[El_Freddo]

I've never seen anything like that before! Crazy. I too would like to see one of these "dual mass" flywheels, I've only ever delt with soild flywheels.

Glad you're back on the road!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[carljwnc]

I can see how that might present some "issues". Was that the OEM clutch?
I hope the Exedy works out better for you.

 

[mr turbo]

I hope the Exedy works out better for you.

Me too, keep us posted.

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[nipper]

I've seen like three of these over all the years of soobys since 2000, which is about par for the general population of all makes and models of cars.

It happens.


nipper

 

[simxs]

Thanks for the interest guys.

The broken clutch was the factory one.

I'm still having mixed results with the Exedy kit. The engagement is very sudden so requires care not to cause an uncomfortable and noisy jolt on gear changes.

To give you an idea of the difference with the solid flywheel, I used to be able to accelerate moderately in 3rd from 30km/h (1500rpm) without drama but this now sends a deep vibration from the drivetrain right through the body of the vehicle. Below 40km/h in 3rd is now for very light throttle only.

There's also a 'buzz' in second gear at around 2000rpm although this may be due to different gearbox oil and not because of greater vibration transmitted through the flywheel from the engine.

What gearbox oil due you guys use?

 

[tourer]

Hello SimXS,

My 2003 XS may well be heading that way too. got it at 110k and now is at 140k. The clutch has always been very tough/hard (each time I press to shift a gear). So tough that after about 20 minutes in city driving , the left foot aches bad... Have shown it to a few places (the car I mean..not the foot) and they keep saying "its ok"... "it will go on without issues for another 50k".."they are all like that"...blah blah... After seeing how much you have spend on yours, it is getting me worried especially after all that money its still is having issues... Would you have gone for another company or OME? What do you guys out there think too?

 

[simxs]

Hi Tourer - My original clutch was very firm to press as well so I know what you mean about the sore foot. The new one is certainly an improvement in that regard and I'm also pleased to be without the squeaking from the dual-mass flywheel. Fitting the Exedy was a bit cheaper than going back to Subaru for genuine parts and the brand has a good reputation. It's a shame that the drive isn't smooth though.