Syonyk Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 Just got an 02 Outback... red, manual, just under 100k miles, bit of body damage (dent & some scrapes/wear), but no rust, and seems to be in quite good shape. The clutch is slipping somewhat on the highway - once everything is warmed up, the clutch will slip if I give it too much gas. Not a big deal, I figured it would need one, but I've seen some reports that this can be from "not the clutch" - the slave cylinder hanging up or the hose collapsing. I also get shuddering when starting out, which implies hot spots on the flywheel from what I've seen. How would I go about troubleshooting this? I have a dealer service appointment in a week for a clutch/flywheel/etc, but I'd prefer to not pay $1400 if I didn't have to. With 100k miles, is it likely the clutch just getting worn out/the flywheel having hot spots, or is this more likely something else that would be cheaper to deal with? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4x4_Welder Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 Why go to the dealership? You could have the clutch done for half the price at a regular shop, even at a Subaru specialist. You should just get a new flywheel for it, the hard spots from slipping may or may not turn out, and the change in thickness will change the feel of the clutch. All the hydraulics are external, rent a vacuum bleeder and it's an easy DIY project to replace all of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syonyk Posted August 15, 2009 Author Share Posted August 15, 2009 The *best* price I've gotten elsewhere was around $1000 without a flywheel. I haven't seen anyone offering to do it for $700 or so with new Subaru parts... As for "DIY," it's rated at 6-7h of Subaru labor, in a shop with lifts/the right tools/etc. I'd be doing it in a garage, without a lift, on my back. So, probably 20h to do it myself. I've pulled the engine on an EA82 before, but this engine seems to be a lot more crammed in & a lot heavier, with a ton more stuff attached to it. And, really, with my job, I just don't have much time anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durania Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 It does sound like you are needing a clutch to me. You don't have to shop the Subaru parts department to get a OEM spec clutch. They are all Exedy clutches and you can get the OEM equivalent for alot less than buying from the dealer. I just had the clutch done in my 2.5RS and I chose to go with an independent Subaru mechanic and was very happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgambino Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 It does sound like you are needing a clutch to me. You don't have to shop the Subaru parts department to get a OEM spec clutch. They are all Exedy clutches and you can get the OEM equivalent for alot less than buying from the dealer. I just had the clutch done in my 2.5RS and I chose to go with an independent Subaru mechanic and was very happy. can you share what you paid for the job so our friend has some comparision? Include what parts where replaced (flywheel?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durania Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 (edited) can you share what you paid for the job so our friend has some comparision? Include what parts where replaced (flywheel?) The reason I did not share my price is because I am good friends with the owner there and he gave me the hookup, my experience would have varied to his. If you must know, he did it all for $800, no flywheel. that includes parts, and labor. The local Subaru dealer quoted me $1200. Edited August 15, 2009 by Durania Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syonyk Posted August 15, 2009 Author Share Posted August 15, 2009 So $1400 with a flywheel at a dealership sounds sane? There are a few other niggling issues I'd like dealt with while it's in as well. It just sounds like a /ton/ of work to do it myself. And I simply don't have the 15-20h to throw at it right now. Nor do I know any shop owners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 The *best* price I've gotten elsewhere was around $1000 without a flywheel. so how much does a fly wheel cost $200?, save the 200$, that's 16%. or how about a low mileage used flywheel, is that a practical idea or a waste of time and money? As for "DIY," it's rated at 6-7h of Subaru labor, in a shop with lifts/the right tools/etc. i thought the book value for R & R a trans (auto) was 3.5 - 4 hrs. 6 - 7 sounds high to me. does any one know? i paid 285$ to have the rear extention housing swapped out on my 95 lego a/t ( labor only) and i think he pulled the trans, but i don't really know. granted this is a 5spd but still ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4x4_Welder Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 For me to do a clutch, it'd probably take 8hrs. That engine is still very easy to pull, and still the route I would take. A couple plugs, and the harness is disconnected- Three hoses, and the fuel system is disconnected. Pull the radiator with the fans, and then out comes the engine. You will need an impact to loosen and tighten the flywheel bolts, and this is also a great opportunity to do a timing belt swap and take care of any oil leaks you may have. Another thing to keep in mind is that the dealership typically charges $110-$125 an hour for labor, most independent shops are under $100 per hour, $75 is more typical. I charge $35, but then I'm doing stuff in my free time so it might be a week before I get the job actually done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syonyk Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 Hm. I already have an appointment at the dealership for next Monday. I really don't want to drive it anywhere else, as I need enough clutch to get to the dealership, and I'm behind at work so I can't take a day or two (probably 2, knowing my luck with vehicles) to do a clutch swap. None of the independent shops I called were much cheaper. They were all in the same ballpark of $1200 or so, and that was without a flywheel. At some point I'd like to buy a vehicle that didn't require massive maintenance right after purchasing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.