The clutch in my 198e BRAT made a snapping noise and became loose. I've pulled the engine and I'm trying to repair or replace it.

My springs feel loose. I don't see this type of spring for sale on rock auto. I'm looking in my copy of "How to Keep your Subaru Alive" and my clutch bearing doesn't look like the diagram in the book.

Should I upgrade to the new type of return bearing like this SCHAEFFLER MC0482? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

Video footage:

https://mooncolony.org/1983-Subaru-BRAT-loose-clutch-springs/footage1.mp4

https://mooncolony.org/1983-Subaru-BRAT-loose-clutch-springs/footage2.mp4

 

Ebay listings:

* Genuine Subaru -Clutch Fork Spring KIT For Impreza Forester Outback Legacy 85-25

* x2 NEW GENUINE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX LEGACY FORESTER CLUTCH FORK SPRINGS 30539AA000

* GENUINE OEM SUBARU LEGACY IMPREZA WRX BRZ OUTBACK BAJA CLUTCH FORK SPRINGS KIT

The throw out bearing looks to be correct. 

Those little retainer clips are easy to deal with, just bend them until the desired shape/tension is achieved. 

When you say the clutch became loose, what do you mean - the feel of the clutch pedal was loose? 

It could be a snapped/breaking clutch cable or an issue with the pedal box cracking. The cracking issues is apparently common. This can be plated to put strength back into the pedal box so it doesn’t happen again. 

Cheers 

Bennie

Those springs do not affect the feel of the clutch in any way, and they're often simply missing...  If you felt something change, look elsewhere.

OK thanks. Yes, Fred, you nailed it suggesting the pedal box cracking. The metal tab holding the clutch cable to the pedal assembly definitely sheared. I already sourced another pedal assembly with a stronger design (upgraded from 1983 with this flimsy tab to a 1984 style),

I'll get the pedal assembly fixed and the cable rerouted and it sounds like everything should be good.

I was real worried that these springs didn't make any sense. Thanks for giving me more confidence the springs are not an issue. I will continue with repair.

I wasn’t familiar with any upgrade in 1984

They’re all susceptible to the same cracking. It splits from the pedal pivot pin. You’ll see it when you get it in front of you. 

Here's the old busted pedal assembly and the replacement I found. The replacement looks beefier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alright let us know how it goes. 
 

My old eyes don’t see the crack I was expecting at the left side near the pivot pin. But hey you’re on the right path.