For example, will the bite always move right to the top of the pedal before it starts to slip? My cars on about 55k with the original clutch and even though the bite is still mid way through the pedal travel, I'm starting to wonder about how much longer it'll last.

 

You're right, generally as it gets worn the bite will move up the pedal travel. It's usually the absence of bad signs that tell you how long you've got left: if you don't have juddering, slipping or a high bite point then it's OK.

Without knowing how you drive it's impossible to predict: I've gone 80,000+ on original clutches, but not in Scoobs ;-)

If you don't do drag starts and don't hold the car on hills on the clutch, then your clutch life expectancy will be like any other car, I'd reckon.

 

Replace it when it starts slipping - or you will need the flywheel re-grinding or replacing.. Not cheap

MB

 

I thought the hydraulic clutch on Imprezas works in a similar way to your brakes ie the bite point stays in the same place as the clutch wears,the same as the brake pedal does as the brake pads wear.
Also I don't think juddering is a sign its about to fail.Some cars develope this early in their life and can do another 50K miles without slipping

Andy

 

My clutch did a bit of juddering for the first time in months this morning.
Looked like a learner driver

Pete (MY99 24k)

 

That doesn't sound very perfect Peter