And how do I go about talking to the dealer about it? I have never even taken my car to the dealer and I have no idea how I should present it to them. Also, can I take it to a dealer I didn't purchase the car from? Is there any charge for the fix?

First, take it to the dealer and explain what is happening to your car. (Whats wrong with the clutch) In order for them to perform a repair, they have to duplicate the concern, so be prepared to leave your vehicle with them. If they can duplicate the concern, you must still be under the factory 3/36 warranty for it to be covered.

If they duplicate the concern outlined in the TSB and you are no longer under warranty, you will have to pay for the repairs if you want it fixed, a TSB is not a recall.

Well since I have an 02 I guess im out of luck. Sucks for me. Any idea on how much the fix would cost?

You can find a ratty copy of Subaru's Cold Clutch Judder TSB for the 2002 WRX, TSB 03-51-02, on NHTSA's website at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/TSBs/2003/SB-10001031-4238.pdf.

Does anyone else find it more than mildly suspicious that the 2002 WRX flywheel is specifically covered by the 5YR/60K mile powertrain warranty but the TSB says, in effect, Don't replace the flywheel if it has more than 30K miles on it? In other words, if the Subaru new car warranty has expired (36K miles), don't replace the flywheel (its replacement costs would have been covered by the much longer powertrain warranty).

SOA expects us to believe that "after 30,000 miles of drving, the surface finish is equivalent to the replacement flywheel." In other words 30K miles of wear on a 2002 WRX flywheel makes it equivalent to a brand new re-designed 2003 WRX flywheel. Bull*****!

So what is the point of a TSB on 02's when 3 years is obviously over?

Ninja Edit. Nevermind :D

So what is the point of a TSB on 02's when 3 years is obviously over?


The three years goes by the delivery date of the vehicle:

For example, if you bought your car April 15, 2002, you have until April 15, 2005 or 36,000 miles before your warranty expires.

If you don't know your delivery date (bought the car used, can't remember) call a Subaru dealer or 1-800-SUBARU 3 with your VIN number and they can tell you.

What problems are you having with your clutch?

So what is the point of a TSB on 02's when 3 years is obviously over?
IIRC the TSB came out in 2003. I had the clutch on my '02 OBS replaced under the TSB in mid-2003.

Will the extended warranty (Added Security Gold Plus) cover it if the vehicle is over the 3yr/36k miles limit?

That's an excellent question! I'd read the fine print in the Gold Plus contract, because IIRC the clutch is listed as a wear item and thus may not be covered. OTOH, the clutch judder is not a wear issue as shown by the TSB, so I'd go in and talk politely with your local dealer service dept about it.

If you are out of warranty search for "snout". It is supposed to solve the problem.

http://pdm-csrk.com/

That's an excellent question! I'd read the fine print in the Gold Plus contract, because IIRC the clutch is listed as a wear item and thus may not be covered.

My dealer called SOA, and was told "No" due to the mileage. I guess I'll just wait 'til the stock clutch wore out before I spend the $$$.

If you are out of warranty search for "snout". It is supposed to solve the problem.

http://pdm-csrk.com/


No WRX kit available yet.......... :(