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Subaru transaxle clutch slip?

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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A friend (currently unemployed) has a 2002 Subaru Forester, standard transmission.

He says when going uphill under load, the engine sometimes "revs up" but the car slows down momentarily.

I haven't driven the car, but to me it sounds like clutch slipping. Maybe worn or contaminated.

I've never worked on a front wheel drive car. Is there something beside worn clutch or face contamination that could cause the "slipping" symptom?

This sounds like a major job, and as the car is worth under $1500, probably not worth doing. (right?)

Thanks.
Tom
 
He could try and see if the clutch linkage is adjustable and is a little too tight (but my bet is that's it's self-adjusting).

Otherwise, yeah, it's a major job.
Does your local vocational school "take in" work? (and is the owner willing to wait a while for completion......this could take vocational high school kids a number of weeks to complete)
 
Thanks. I'm replacing the starter later today, to keep the family on wheels. I checked a Forester forum, and that clutch should be self-adjusting, as long as the fluid is topped up. He's not a "car guy", so is very flustered with mechanical stuff. He said the engine sometimes gets rough. I asked when he last checked the fuel filter; he said "where's the fuel filter?".

Today I'll also check all the fluid levels, brakes, gearbox, suspension, etc. That'll help them decide if they should fix it, patch it, or toss it.

I've learned so much from BCF members I'm now really dangerous!
Tom
 
Any idea how many miles are on that clutch?

I'd be really surprised if it's original from 2002. I know a Forester of roughly that vintage that's been through at least three.


pc
 
Diagnosis: dying alternator.

The clutch wasn't slipping at all. He was hearing the alternator whine, getting louder when he revs the engine.

I used a high tech audio listening device (a/k/a "wooden drumstick"), and found the whine coming from the alternator, so I'm betting it's the bearings.

Fortunately a much less expensive fix than transmission!

Poor guy couldn't remember how to open the hood (pull handle under dash).

Thanks.
Tom
 
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