98 Forester Manual Transmission

[boscoe]

I have a '98 forester with 101k on it. This car was regretably my introduction to both subarus and manual transmissions...

 

I suffered through the shuddering clutch syndrome from about 50k-90k, at which point I had my 1st and 2nd synchro's replaced by a bunch of circus clowns at aamco. 10,000 miles later, my synchro's are developing similar symptoms again (difficult to select 1st and 2nd in when cold, unless at a dead stop, and rattling in 2nd and 4th at certain rpm's under load).

 

I am contemplating having a used transmission installed at this point, and I wondered if anyone would corroborate that, or suggest other courses of action (like selling this piece of junk!). If I were to pick up a used transmission, would I try to find one from a 98 forester, or is there another model that would be sturdier and less prone to shuddering in the future?

 

Thanks!

[cookie]

The transmission is usually fairly tough on these. It may not be helping that this is your first manual but I don't think its all your fault.

1 The shuddering is usually the clutch if it is on take off. The stock clutch was not good around your build date.There is an updated clutch available.

2 Going into first hard is often clutch linkage and the hydraulics on yours should be about due.There is also a TSB on the hydraulic system on your car.

3 Transmission oil can have an effect both on noise and shifting ease.

4 I think you need to go to an actual experienced Subaru guy for service.

5 I think a used tranny and clutch and linkage inspected by someone qualified are in order.

[Subarunation 713]

I have a '98 forester with 101k on it. This car was regretably my introduction to both subarus and manual transmissions...

 

I suffered through the shuddering clutch syndrome from about 50k-90k, at which point I had my 1st and 2nd synchro's replaced by a bunch of circus clowns at aamco. 10,000 miles later, my synchro's are developing similar symptoms again (difficult to select 1st and 2nd in when cold, unless at a dead stop, and rattling in 2nd and 4th at certain rpm's under load).

 

I am contemplating having a used transmission installed at this point, and I wondered if anyone would corroborate that, or suggest other courses of action (like selling this piece of junk!). If I were to pick up a used transmission, would I try to find one from a 98 forester, or is there another model that would be sturdier and less prone to shuddering in the future?

 

Thanks!

I would instal an used transmission and let Aamco do the circus and you find a good independent to instal a good clutch and an used transmission. Al's in Trevose http://www.als-auto.com/ has 2 98 Forester transmissions. He wants $550 each, but you only need 1 :-) (sorry, couldn't resist)

 

With the number of Subarus in PA it shouldn't be hard to find a good shop near Philly. There is a great one in Deer Lake, Deer lake Auto Sales (north of Reading on Rt 61) that my parents use but that is a 2+ hour drive from Philadelphia. He is fast and thurough.

 

Good luck,

Greg

[boscoe]

The transmission is usually fairly tough on these. It may not be helping that this is your first manual but I don't think its all your fault.

1 The shuddering is usually the clutch if it is on take off. The stock clutch was not good around your build date.There is an updated clutch available.

2 Going into first hard is often clutch linkage and the hydraulics on yours should be about due.There is also a TSB on the hydraulic system on your car.

3 Transmission oil can have an effect both on noise and shifting ease.

4 I think you need to go to an actual experienced Subaru guy for service.

5 I think a used tranny and clutch and linkage inspected by someone qualified are in order.

Thanks for your response. Do you know any specifics on the updated clutch, or would any parts supplier supply the right thing when I (or my independent mechanic) ask for a clutch for a 98 forester?

 

Also, when you say the clutch linkage, you're referring to the hydraulic clutch system, rather than the shift linkage, correct? I was not aware of the TSB. Thanks!

[boscoe]

I would instal an used transmission and let Aamco do the circus and you find a good independent to instal a good clutch and an used transmission. Al's in Trevose http://www.als-auto.com/ has 2 98 Forester transmissions. He wants $550 each, but you only need 1 :-) (sorry, couldn't resist)

 

With the number of Subarus in PA it shouldn't be hard to find a good shop near Philly. There is a great one in Deer Lake, Deer lake Auto Sales (north of Reading on Rt 61) that my parents use but that is a 2+ hour drive from Philadelphia. He is fast and thurough.

 

Good luck,

Greg

Thanks so much for the local knowledge. I'll have to give Al's a call and see what kind of shape those transmissions are in. Any idea how much one of those things weighs (should I bring a friend if I go pick it up myself)?

 

I'll check out Deer lake. If it has anyone's stamp of approval, that's better than what I'm going on now. A two hour ride would be better than having the job botched-up, again. I was going to bring it to my independent, but I'm getting the feeling that you guys recommend having a subaru specialist do this...

[lmdew]

Search the marketplace for your trans, several 98-99 Forsters have been parted.

[cookie]

for clutch parts. I posted them a while back and you may be able to find them doing a search. If not I can get them from the file in my garage and post them for you tomorrow night.

The new ones work pretty well. On the clutch hydraulic linkage TSB it just says to change the hose, washers, and slave. I also had to change the master cyl on mine before I was happy.

Most Subaru mechanics will have discovered a clutch that works for them in thier area.They don't want the car to come back again for a free clutch job.

On Subarus these cars are odd enough that many mechanics will only use the latest dealer parts.

There are a couple of mechanics and at least on parts person who post here, as well as what we all think is the premier Subaru independent engine rebuilder.

Perhaps some of them will weigh in on what they thik is the best. I am just a fussy ex fleet mechanic who is on the paper pushing end of things these days for a few transit agencies.