What's wrong with my clutch?

Check slave cylinder for leaks, then check if clutch needs bleeding, then see if pedal free play / engagement height needs adjusting. What's anyone else think?

Sounds like you nailed it hippo. First check for leaks, then bleed.

I am sorry. It is a 2002 Impreza TS not 2004.

Doesn't matter - hydraulic principles remain the same for anything - brakes, suspension, steering - it's just the components change shape and go in different places! If it leaks or it's got air in - you have a problem. Cheers

I had to have my clutch in my '01 OBS rebuilt, and when the dealer was done, I had to push the pedal all the way down to the floor to fully disengage the clutch. The dealer said this was normal, but I don't think so. Who's right? Where is the engagement adjustment?

David

Hi,

This is only a "general rule" since my Subie's old enough to have a cable operated clutch, so it's not "Subie specific" but it applies to the hydraulic clutches I've driven from other mfrs. Push the clutch pedal gently in by hand. You should feel around 1/2" to 3/4" (~12-18 mm) of free play before it starts to resist. Fire up the engine, put the gearbox in 1st, and while idling (don't give it any gas) slowly let out the clutch until you feel the engine start to lose speed and try to stall. That should be around 1/4 or so of the way to full disengagement. With a worn clutch it may be more. If it engages much before 1/4, you may need some adjustment (you've got more freeplay than you should.) There's probably an adjusting rod for the master cylinder at the back of the clutch pedal ass'y. You may need to get a book to find where it is and how to adjust it.

Good luck!

Rick

What year is yours? I have a '96 Impreza and mine has a cable clutch.

Mine's "ancient," a '90!

Oh, yeah, I think I used the wrong term on the "1/4 test": shoulda said "engagement," IOW, 1/4 up from the floorboard. Sorry!

Rick