The car's been running sweet since I've had it but during the really cold morning over last winter I got regular clutch judder during the first "1st to 2nd" gear change of the day. After that it was fine, no problems until the next cold start.

However over the last couple of days, I've been getting clutch judder pulling away in 1st, sometimes even when the car's warmed up and the judder is more violent now.

It also seems worse when I'm pulling away on a hill start. :(

Does anyone know if this is to be expected (part and parcel of Scooby ownership - there are plenty of historical posts on SN about this problem)? :wonder:

Or is it time for an Exedy Organic clutch (plus the obligatory lightened flywheel ;) )?

Any signs that the clutch is slipping.

Just a normal problem i thought

No, it doesn't seem to be slipping, (although the missus did say yesterday that the car "feels like it needs a kick up the arse"), so I'm not about to rush out and buy a new clutch yet.

Hopefully it'll go away and I can pretend it didn't happen :cuckoo: :D

On a serious note though, it is a bit worrying. The last thing I need is to have to shell out for a new clutch when I have both tax and insurance (only one years NCD = ~£1000 fully comp :eek: ) due within the next 3 weeks. :cry:

I had a bit of this last week,but like you said its only when the clutch/car is cold...........does this mean you need a new one then cos there seems to be plenty left on the peddle.

Scud

No doesn't mean it needs replacing, it's a common fault on subaru's, mines been doing it for 3 years since i bought it. Took it back to CVC about a week after i had it and they told me they had a brand new demo car that did it.

Do a search for "judder", especially in the Drivetrain forum. It seems to be quite common with several remedies. You could try a couple of Banzai starts to clean off any uneven deposits on the contact surfaces. If this doesn't work then maybe get the flywheel skimmed. There has also been talk of dodgy release bearings, but more on early classics.

my did the same on the old uk300 - in fairnes to CVC they put in a new clutch under warrenty

Rich nicked this off SIDC FAQ's Hope they don't mind:thumb: The "When hot" may answer your question. You have recently done the front pipes? Heat etc.

3.5 Clutch judder

3.5.1 ... when cold

This is caused by the material used to with stand the abuse given to it by owners.....usually ok when warmed up. Can also be caused by problems (wear/dirt ?) with the special platinum spark plugs used in the Impreza. Replacing these at the 15,000/30,000 mile service can cure the problem (although sometimes only for a month or so!).
Another suggestion has been to treat your Impreza to several full bore standing starts (when warm of course), which apparently helps clean up the surfaces of clutch components.
For 1998 models, and some 1999 models, there have actually been many cases of faults with the standard clutch system. The symptoms are progressively worsening juddering when cold, leading to severe clutch judder at all times. Subaru dealers (certainly in the UK), have been replacing these faulty clutches free of charge under warranty, including a new flywheel, as long as the mileage isn't well above average, and the problem is severe enough. Some owners report a slight juddering at times, but this is not enough to warrant a new clutch.
3.5.2 ... when hot

Can be cured by uprating the clutch fluid to a DOT 5 fluid. Caused by fluid getting too hot from the engine bay heat. See also above for clutch problems with 98/99 cars

...interesting, thanks Ian.

It seems to have gone away following some "spirited standing starts" ;)