Hey everyone I have a 2017 Subaru WRX (24,000 miles, 6 speed manual). When I push the clutch pedal in there's a squeaking noise during the last couple inches of clutch travel (see attached video). Any ideas of what this noise could be? The clutch still engages smoothly, the pedal feels just as it always has since the car was new, and it slots into gear perfectly. I'm just curious as to what this noise could be...
FYI: the car is completely stock. I have never done any clutch dump launches, tracked the car, or abused the car in any way.
video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Q7cXMm05g
UPDATE: I took the WRX to the dealer since it's still under powertrain warranty. The service advisor told me there is a TSB out for this issue. So, they are going to replace the clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing, and clutch pedal assembly with Subaru's updated parts. The service advisor said the squeaky noise is likely from the pedal, but the TSB has this complaint in it so they're just going to replace everything. I'm very happy with Subaru because they are covering this 100% at absolutely no cost to me. They are also giving me a loaner car for the time my car is in the shop.
It's unfortunate this had to happen at just 24,000 miles, but clearly Subaru really cares about its customers and I'm really glad they took ownership of this issue. Bravo Subaru!!
Here is a link to the TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10150946-9999.pdf. Hope this helps any others who have a 2015-2018 WRX
That's in the pedal assembly. We had several Outbacks that had the same noisy clutch pedal sound after a few years. I think it's been a constant problem for Suby's with a manual. We sprayed the heck out of the moving parts with white lithium spray lubricant.
That's good to know, I appreciate the feedback! Just curious, did the clutch on your Outback continue to function properly after you sprayed lubricant? The reason I ask is because if there's a bigger issue, I want to get it resolved while the powertrain warranty is still valid.
Yeah, everything worked fine. That noise was just irritating. {black}:fighting:
Ya it is pretty annoying but if I play some music it goes away haha. Thanks so much! I will try using that lithium spray lubricant if the dealer can't do anything about it.
If they do find a fix, please come back and post it!😁
Yes for sure! I'll update this post once I take the Subie to the dealer.
Common problem. Mine (2018)has it too. I think it’s coming from where the assembly attaches to the firewall, but there are several possible sources. I took it to the dealer and they couldn’t fix it. I eventually just siliconed the crap out of every moving part and it eventually faded away. Still comes back briefly now and then, but mostly resolved.
Wish I knew more.
Thanks for your feedback! I have an appointment with my dealer early next week but I wanted to get some more information about this issue to make sure this noise wasn't related to the throwout bearing (cuz I know some 2015 and 2016 WRXs had some problems with this)
I think you’re ok. Not a serious problem, just super annoying. Subarus are good cars but they are inexpensive cars and use a lot of inexpensive part.
It sounds like the classic throw out bearing going bad, or even the pilot bearing.
Ya I'm not sure what it is, but the dealer is replacing all the clutch related parts under warranty (check my update post). With the updated parts hopefully it will fix the issue!
“I have never done any clutch dump launches, tracked the car, or abused the car in any way”
Why not?! It’s a wrx for crying out loud!
Seriously though, thanks for posting an update. I hope it’ll help other owners here, get the issue fixed under warranty too.
Haha dont worry I never slow down for corners so I definitely still drive it like a WRX is meant to be driven 😉
Exhales in relief..