Yes, I am almost positive my very stiff WRX clutch pedal is giving me Sesamoiditis. What is it? Its where you get adhesions on the joints and small bones of the big toe due to strenuous use of the joints. When I've had particularly long bouts of city driving this has happened, now for the second time. For a brief description check [this] out. (My dad, believe it or not, is a podiatrist! Heh, that's how I got the diagnosis )

Now, what I want to know is: How do you lessen the stiffness of the clutch pedal? I've been reading up and I find that the only real wisdom is that the clutch wears out so the pressure plate springs have to compensate, giving the stiffer feel. But then, some reports tell of replaced clutches only to feel the stiffness a few hundred miles later. Go fig!?

Any ideas? The pain is really a mild soreness right now. Last time I had this I had to stay off my foot for about a week. Driving would put me in excruciating pain

jason

 

Develop clutch shudder and get the new parts, that's how.

 

I actually have the shudder... but I'm willing to put up with it because I dont want a heavier flywheel. Throttle response is bad enough

I was thinking maybe for my 30Kmi I might have the shudder fixed anyhow... doh.... any other ideas?

jason

 

Try just asking the dealer not to order the flywheel. I don;t see why they would have a problem with that. Then again, if it still shudders...

 

i really have a problem with the clutch...first off, it's very stiff....second of all, it's so high....i'm a lazy person, and to top things off...i commute on 880 north and south a lot....and there's often traffic during my commuting time periods...does anyone know how i can "adjust" the clutch or will i have to replace it or something...?? help me out i'm a n00b

 

Don't be so sure it's a heavier flywheel...read this. It sounds like it might just be a different friction material? I'll let you know how both my WRX's turn out...I'm picking one up today and dropping the other one off.

 

can someone explain to me, what a cold judder is?

 

Basically, the "cold judder" (or shudder) means that the clutch with feel really "grabby" (i.e. car jerks, like you don't know what the heck you are doing with the clutch!) the first few applications when very cold.

My WRX does this occasionally, but I've found that if I just go drive it a little aggressively (i.e. an AutoX event does nicely) the symptoms go away for a while. Other than that, I'm pretty easy on clutches and the clutch is fine at 24K miles.

Personally Joe, I wish the clutch in my WRX were a little heavier than it is! I'd guess the variation you've seen is due to one of two things :

1. Differences in how well the clutch hydraulics are bled
2. Differences in the strength of the pressure plate springs.

 

It is indeed a heavier flywheel, although I can't remember how I know that.

 

Hrm. I was hoping that since the service bulletin said you COULD reuse the stock one that it's just a different material. We'll see how it feels in a couple of hours when I pick up my wifes car and swap it for mine.

 

They reuse it or not pretty much based on the mileage. Supposed the stock flywheel has the same surface after 30k as the new one does. We'll see.

 

Stiff clutch?! Bah.. I felt the clutch in my friend's drag integ.
ACT Stage 4 puck. Now try and feel that crap.. it was hard as hell, and it grabs like a mother. After feeling that, any clutch out there feels like nothin'.

 

03 WRX's dont have the stiff clutch..