Clutch has 143K on it. I have noticed it slipping in 3,4,5. This started completely out of the blue. My question: Is it possible for snow to form ice on the clutch lining causing slippage? I ask b/c it started after parking in snow up to the door jam. If not, is this something that would develope rapidly...like overnight? And how long can I go/ what can I do to prolong life? IE I'm planning a 3000 mile trip and will be taking this car...hopefully.

Your not going any whree on that clutch. The clutch was prbbly slipping all along and you didnt know it. It is a slow thing, but once it rear its ugly head, your done for. If it was slipping cause it was wet , it would dry out really fast from the heat of using the clutch. The snow was just a coincidence, or enough to finally push it over the edge.

 

nipper

I'm certainly no expert but I would think IF any such ice formed anywhere near the clutch and the clutch slipped the heat generated would melt said ice and evaporate any remaining water quite quickly. As for how long it'll last that's a crap-shoot. You might make 3000miles on it. you might make 30miles. :-\ Prolonging life would be a matter of low-revs operation overall the less slipping it does the better off it'll be.

 

 

I can't imagine snow or ice bothering the clutch assembly itself (could be wrong on this one) BUT what if you got a chunk of ice in your clutch linkage or you cable (?) got full of snow or ice and was not letter the clutch travel the same as it did before?

 

just a thought

First, do you have a cable operated adjustable clutch? Or automatically adjusting hyrdaulic one? If it's a cable, I think you may be able to adjust it. But if it's hydraulic, the clutch is spent. With that many miles, you did well...so don't knock yourself for being bad to your clutch. I'd replace it before your long trip just so you can have peace of mind. Plus, you can price it in town, or take it to your favorite Subaru shop that you trust and not risk it being stuck on the road and have to pay-up for a clutch replacement at an unfamiliar shop.

It is cable actuated. I have adjusted it before so I'm familiar with the procedure. Will that help it from slipping in gear? I thought it just affected the engagement point.

 

What do people think would be a fair price for this at an indie shop...new pressure plate, disc, t/o and pilot bearings and resurface the flywheel? Oh and the rear main seal if I have a plastic one.

Did this start happening after a snow?

 

Are you sure snow and ice didn't get built up in the clutch linkage somewhere and isn't letting is release all the way?

 

Just thought I'd throw in a glimmer of hope...

The clutch must have play in the cable or it is partially disengaged. It is for more than pedal height.

UPDDATE: Glimmer of hope indeed. When the weather warmed up the problem cured itself and made the trip to the mountains and back...still going at 150K.