I apologize in advance for this long post.
2014 WRX hatch
Bone stock
41K miles
When the car had roughly 4000 miles on the ODO I began to hear a slight 'ding' sound when engaging the clutch, primarily when starting in 1st. There was no change in clutch feel, no slipping or any other issues, at this point it was purely an annoyance and nothing more. The sound was difficult to reproduce so showing this to the dealer was a futile effort. They made note, and I went on my merry way.
I did assume it may be a heat shield, but despite poking around for hours (including a good 40 minutes on my buddies lift) I found nothing.
As time went on the noise began to get louder and more noticeable, though it was still somewhat sporadic and difficult to reproduce. I mentioned this to my service rep every time I brought the car in and made sure they made a note in my file... but still, they 'heard nothing'.
Around June of this year the noise began to be much more predictable. I am able to reproduce it on command, and now if I switch on the AC and depress the clutch pedal, I can hear it (though rather faintly). When I took the car in for my last oil change I once again mentioned the sound (as I did at every previous visit), but this time I assured them that I could reproduce the sound at will. I took a ride with the service manager and then handed the car over to the tech.
I was informed that the tech could not pinpoint the origin of the sound but he was suspecting that it may have been related to the flywheel (which is odd to me since I've never heard a flywheel ring like a bell). I was told that my car was in no risk of immediate mechanical failure and was assured that my clutch was OK and not the issue. They informed me that they would replace the flywheel through the power-train warranty and also suggested that I purchase a new clutch which they would install for free since it would not be any extra labor.
Literally a few days after this visit to the service department my car began to make another strange sound. When I start from first or when shifting going up hill or even general spirited driving I hear a brief but loud squeak. The sound occurs right as the clutch grabs. My first thought was slipping (as it does occur as I slip the clutch), however, the clutch doesn't 'slip' when I try your run of the mill 'is my clutch slipping' test and the smell of a burning clutch is not present.
Here is the thing, that second 'slipping' sound is not consistent. Some days it is louder and more pronounced, occurring almost every time I start in 1st or shift to second or third. Other days I may faintly hear it here and there or not hear it at all. I considered day-to-day atmospheric differences, but there is no pattern present here when compared to something like the ever popular Subaru throw out bearing whine (which seems to be more prominent when it is cold and/or raining).
I have attached a video below, both sounds are present. Any insight is appreciated.
One concern I have is that it is, in fact, the clutch all along and the dealer dragged the process out until my basic warranty expired, thus alleviating them any expense related to a clutch replacement. However, them offering to replace my flywheel and install a provided clutch for no charge does somewhat negate that idea.
Regarding the clutch. I've been doing research for a few months and I'm rather confused as I cant seem to find any sort of general consensus on which clutch to use for the 08-14 WRX. Should I just stick with the exedy OEM replacement? Or, does it make sense to move up to a clutch that is just a hair stronger (not a 3,4 or 6 puck). I do plan on modifying the car in the near future, but nothing crazy on the stock internals... on the power side of things I may add an AP (possibly a pro tune, if necessary), Intake (I know, its a noise maker), turbo-back and an STI intercooler.
2014 WRX hatch
Bone stock
41K miles
When the car had roughly 4000 miles on the ODO I began to hear a slight 'ding' sound when engaging the clutch, primarily when starting in 1st. There was no change in clutch feel, no slipping or any other issues, at this point it was purely an annoyance and nothing more. The sound was difficult to reproduce so showing this to the dealer was a futile effort. They made note, and I went on my merry way.
I did assume it may be a heat shield, but despite poking around for hours (including a good 40 minutes on my buddies lift) I found nothing.
As time went on the noise began to get louder and more noticeable, though it was still somewhat sporadic and difficult to reproduce. I mentioned this to my service rep every time I brought the car in and made sure they made a note in my file... but still, they 'heard nothing'.
Around June of this year the noise began to be much more predictable. I am able to reproduce it on command, and now if I switch on the AC and depress the clutch pedal, I can hear it (though rather faintly). When I took the car in for my last oil change I once again mentioned the sound (as I did at every previous visit), but this time I assured them that I could reproduce the sound at will. I took a ride with the service manager and then handed the car over to the tech.
I was informed that the tech could not pinpoint the origin of the sound but he was suspecting that it may have been related to the flywheel (which is odd to me since I've never heard a flywheel ring like a bell). I was told that my car was in no risk of immediate mechanical failure and was assured that my clutch was OK and not the issue. They informed me that they would replace the flywheel through the power-train warranty and also suggested that I purchase a new clutch which they would install for free since it would not be any extra labor.
Literally a few days after this visit to the service department my car began to make another strange sound. When I start from first or when shifting going up hill or even general spirited driving I hear a brief but loud squeak. The sound occurs right as the clutch grabs. My first thought was slipping (as it does occur as I slip the clutch), however, the clutch doesn't 'slip' when I try your run of the mill 'is my clutch slipping' test and the smell of a burning clutch is not present.
Here is the thing, that second 'slipping' sound is not consistent. Some days it is louder and more pronounced, occurring almost every time I start in 1st or shift to second or third. Other days I may faintly hear it here and there or not hear it at all. I considered day-to-day atmospheric differences, but there is no pattern present here when compared to something like the ever popular Subaru throw out bearing whine (which seems to be more prominent when it is cold and/or raining).
I have attached a video below, both sounds are present. Any insight is appreciated.
One concern I have is that it is, in fact, the clutch all along and the dealer dragged the process out until my basic warranty expired, thus alleviating them any expense related to a clutch replacement. However, them offering to replace my flywheel and install a provided clutch for no charge does somewhat negate that idea.
Regarding the clutch. I've been doing research for a few months and I'm rather confused as I cant seem to find any sort of general consensus on which clutch to use for the 08-14 WRX. Should I just stick with the exedy OEM replacement? Or, does it make sense to move up to a clutch that is just a hair stronger (not a 3,4 or 6 puck). I do plan on modifying the car in the near future, but nothing crazy on the stock internals... on the power side of things I may add an AP (possibly a pro tune, if necessary), Intake (I know, its a noise maker), turbo-back and an STI intercooler.