I have a 2002 Forester 5 speed AWD. When accelerating from a dead stop, letting out the clutch pedal, it frequently shakes the car like it is possessed by demons. I combat this by revving the motor a bit and/or double clutching. It does not do it once the car is moving. Also, it does not occur when the car is cold and gets noticeably worse after it has been driven awhile, fairly consistent then but still somewhat intermittent.  Once the car is moving there is no sign of it, even accelerating heavily in upper gears. No bearing noise. Clutch was recently professionally replaced. 

 

Crawled under the car to check u-joints and drive line coupler. Only thing I could find was the rubber mount in the center driveshaft bearing coupler had a little play when I tried to twist it (very little but enough to see). The shaking feels like it starts in the tranny area but quickly transfers to the back/differential area.

 

Any ideas what is causing this and how to fix it?   Thanks, Joe

Sounds like clutch chatter.

Fairly common with replacement clutches especially the chinese ones that a lot of parts stores sell.

I use Exedy clutch kits and haven't had any issue with this from their kits. Usually around $150 online. You do have to check and make sure that both the clutch disc and pressure plate are Exedy brand. Some kits have an Exedy disc, with a Chinese pressure plate.

 

Take it back to the shop that installed that clutch and have them install an Exedy clutch kit.

It could very likely be a worn input shaft, especially on an 02.

 

Search- "Subaru transmission worn input shaft"

 

Ask your professional mechanic about the condition of the shaft. See if he installed a clutch kit with the input shaft repair sleeve. This is a common problem especially on older Ru's so I would suggest starting there.

 

Here's a link to one of the repair kit manufacturers- it's pretty informative.

http://www.pdmusa.com/