TMAT3
07-14-2003, 08:07 PM
You can view the same procedure here:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/tmat3/clutch.html
At 53,000 miles, the clutch started to slip every once a while especially when the it is really cold or raining. I was passing a car one day, and all of a sudden clutch slipped. Very embarrassing and it could have been also dangerous. Also, I had a clutch shudder or chatter every time I tried to engage the clutch. This is a well-known problem in Subaru clutches. So, I decided to change the clutch by myself. I was laid off from my work as a computer programmer, and I had all this free time on my hands but no money to get it fixed.
I chose to get Subaru stock clutch set because of various reasons. I had no money to get a set of aftermarket clutch, I wanted a clutch set that is easy on the transmission, and I had a lot of coupons from using a Subaru MasterCard. I bought a new pressure plate, clutch disc, throw-out bearing, and throw-out bearing clips. It was about $300 total. I had five $100 coupons, so I got the clutch for free using 3 of my coupons. It was a good move of me for applying to that credit card.
There seems to be two ways to change the clutch. The first method is to remove the transmission. The second way is to move the engine forward about 6 inches by removing the radiator. I chose the first method because that's how it's usually done to change clutch. I also wanted to get to know the underside of my car better. Moving the engine forward may be easier and faster though.
I don't have an access to a garage with lifts and engine hoists. I did this in a driveway with my own set of tools. Good thing it never rained.
NOTICE: This page is for a reference only. I AM NOT responsible for any damages or injuries that you may suffer from doing your own work on your car or someone else's car. Again, this page is to be used only as a reference.
Parts needed:
[list=1]
Clutch disc ($129.95 - part #: 30100AA651)
Pressure plate ($119.95 - part# : 30210AA411)
Throw-out bearing ($34.95 part#: 30502AA051)
Throw-out bearing clips ($4.56 - part#: 30535AA000)
4qt transmission oil (optional)
[/list=1]
Tools needed (use high quality tools with lifetime warranty such as Craftsman, NAPA, Snap-on, Gear Ratchet...):
[list=1]
Breaker bar
Clutch alignment tool. Mine is an universal application and I bought it at NAPA.
3/4in ratchet and metric sockets (to be used for the halfshaft nuts)
1/2in ratchet and metric sockets
3/8in ratchet and metric sockets
Deep sockets
Torque wrench
WD-40
2 floor jacks (to support the transmission and the engine)
4 jack stands
Flathead screwdriver.
Haynes Subaru Legacy repair book for references. This book has all the torque specs and many pictures.
Optional: Impact wrench gun (either air or electric)
[/list=1]
Time and effort required:
This was my first time changing a clutch on any car, but it was not the first time removing a transmission off any car. I have removed automatic transmissions off front-wheel-drive cars a long time ago. It took me full 2 days (16 hours) including prepping and clean-up. Because the transmission is heavy, I had someone to help me out when trying to take it out. Other than that, I did everything by myself. It took a lot longer to remove the transmission than reinstalling.
This is a fairly big project especially the car being an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and there are many things below and above the transmission. If you have any doubts about doing this kind of work, have a dealer or other auto mechanics do it. It will save a lot of time, pain, frustration, and anger. You may pay a lot for labor though. If you want to do this, then ask your mechanically inclined friend to help you out.
NOTE: You will be removing many many bolts and nuts. After removing each part, I would suggest screwing in the bolts or nuts so that you wouldn't lose them or get confused which bolt goes where. Also, when reinstalling parts, apply a little anti-seize on the bolts and nuts.
http://home.nycap.rr.com/tmat3/clutch.html
At 53,000 miles, the clutch started to slip every once a while especially when the it is really cold or raining. I was passing a car one day, and all of a sudden clutch slipped. Very embarrassing and it could have been also dangerous. Also, I had a clutch shudder or chatter every time I tried to engage the clutch. This is a well-known problem in Subaru clutches. So, I decided to change the clutch by myself. I was laid off from my work as a computer programmer, and I had all this free time on my hands but no money to get it fixed.
I chose to get Subaru stock clutch set because of various reasons. I had no money to get a set of aftermarket clutch, I wanted a clutch set that is easy on the transmission, and I had a lot of coupons from using a Subaru MasterCard. I bought a new pressure plate, clutch disc, throw-out bearing, and throw-out bearing clips. It was about $300 total. I had five $100 coupons, so I got the clutch for free using 3 of my coupons. It was a good move of me for applying to that credit card.
There seems to be two ways to change the clutch. The first method is to remove the transmission. The second way is to move the engine forward about 6 inches by removing the radiator. I chose the first method because that's how it's usually done to change clutch. I also wanted to get to know the underside of my car better. Moving the engine forward may be easier and faster though.
I don't have an access to a garage with lifts and engine hoists. I did this in a driveway with my own set of tools. Good thing it never rained.
NOTICE: This page is for a reference only. I AM NOT responsible for any damages or injuries that you may suffer from doing your own work on your car or someone else's car. Again, this page is to be used only as a reference.
Parts needed:
[list=1]
Clutch disc ($129.95 - part #: 30100AA651)
Pressure plate ($119.95 - part# : 30210AA411)
Throw-out bearing ($34.95 part#: 30502AA051)
Throw-out bearing clips ($4.56 - part#: 30535AA000)
4qt transmission oil (optional)
[/list=1]
Tools needed (use high quality tools with lifetime warranty such as Craftsman, NAPA, Snap-on, Gear Ratchet...):
[list=1]
Breaker bar
Clutch alignment tool. Mine is an universal application and I bought it at NAPA.
3/4in ratchet and metric sockets (to be used for the halfshaft nuts)
1/2in ratchet and metric sockets
3/8in ratchet and metric sockets
Deep sockets
Torque wrench
WD-40
2 floor jacks (to support the transmission and the engine)
4 jack stands
Flathead screwdriver.
Haynes Subaru Legacy repair book for references. This book has all the torque specs and many pictures.
Optional: Impact wrench gun (either air or electric)
[/list=1]
Time and effort required:
This was my first time changing a clutch on any car, but it was not the first time removing a transmission off any car. I have removed automatic transmissions off front-wheel-drive cars a long time ago. It took me full 2 days (16 hours) including prepping and clean-up. Because the transmission is heavy, I had someone to help me out when trying to take it out. Other than that, I did everything by myself. It took a lot longer to remove the transmission than reinstalling.
This is a fairly big project especially the car being an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and there are many things below and above the transmission. If you have any doubts about doing this kind of work, have a dealer or other auto mechanics do it. It will save a lot of time, pain, frustration, and anger. You may pay a lot for labor though. If you want to do this, then ask your mechanically inclined friend to help you out.
NOTE: You will be removing many many bolts and nuts. After removing each part, I would suggest screwing in the bolts or nuts so that you wouldn't lose them or get confused which bolt goes where. Also, when reinstalling parts, apply a little anti-seize on the bolts and nuts.