96 OBW 2.2 5sp cable clutch problem

[eddyj]

Hello all,

 

For a little while, I noticed that when I would push the clutch all the way to the floor, I would hear a soft rattling sound. Otherwise the clutch would behave just fine. Just yesterday, it started to misbehave. When the clutch is pressed at idle in gear, there is a louder grinding sound, and the car lurches a little bit. When the clutch is released, it engages as normal, and can be driven, but changing gears is very difficult. I limped home, and started looking at things. It seems to me that the clutch cable is tight, and certainly pulls the fork at the housing when fully depressed. There is a fair amount of play in all directions for the fork when the clutch is not depressed.

 

My question is, could this problem still be caused by a mal-adjusted clutch cable, or is there something internal that is causing this problem.

 

My next question is, if it is internal, does someone want to buy an OBW in central ma?

 

Thanks,

John E

[idosubaru]

Adjust the clutch cable and see if it's correct. Clutch cables can break and stick as well, though yours seems to be working right.

 

It sounds to me like you need a clutch job. The pilot or throw out bearing is probably noisy, both of those are replaced with a respectable clutch job.

 

Clutch job by itself isn't a normal reason to get rid of that vehicle if you're interested in hanging on to it.

[eddyj]

There is more than just the clutch going. As per safety inspection, exhaust and excessive play in the steering are also in need of attention (upstate NY did not care, but Mass is a bit pickier). I am in the middle of buying a house, and do not have as much spare time to fiddle with things as I would like, but I do need a car that is working. Further, I am new to this area, and do not have a mechanic that I trust. How much would a clutch job likely cost? I have heard estimates previously as high as $1000.

 

John E

[idosubaru]

understood. clutch jobs are going to run $500-$800 probably. more at a dealer probably.

 

the exhaust is best fixed at an exhaust shop (an honest one hopefully!). they can actually repair or build an entire exhaust for cheap rather than buying all new stuff. metal and pipe is cheap.

 

steering rack often means the steering rack bushings need replaced. those are the only things i've ever had to replace, they get old and the steering wants to drift or has a delay in it because the two bushings that hold the rack in place are warn. very easy to fix, it's only 4 bolts. so even if you paid someone it shouldn't be expensive.

 

good luck with it.

[eddyj]

Thanks for the advice!