Five Signs the Clutch in Your Subaru is Going Out

If you drive a Subaru with a manual transmission, you know the joy that comes with being in total control. And while Subaru clutches are designed for the long haul, they will still wear down eventually. If this happens, you may be in need of a clutch replacement. Fortunately, a clutch that's going out will often send you signs before it fails, making diagnosis easier. Below are five common signs of a failing clutch.

5. Grinding When You Try To Go Into Gear

If your Subaru makes a grinding sound when you shift gears, it's not always indicative of a failing clutch. For example, it could just mean that you've forgotten to engage the clutch, or haven't done so completely. However, if it's happening frequently, or shows up in tandem with any of these other problems, it's a good idea to bring your Subaru in for inspection.

4. Your Vehicle is Slow to Get Going

If the clutch is beginning to go bad, the engine in your Subaru might be racing while the vehicle itself is crawling. If you've put it into gear and you hear the engine revving, but the acceleration simply doesn't match, the clutch is a likely culprit.

3. The Transmission Won't Shift Into Gear

Sometimes you can press down on the clutch pedal with no problem, but you still can't get your vehicle into gear. This can indicate a leak, but it can also be a sign of a mechanical problem with one of the parts that makes up the clutch.

2. The Clutch Slips

A slipping clutch is a sure sign that something is wrong. When a clutch slips, it doesn't engage properly and deliver the power that the wheels need. The engine may rev noticeably more when you release the clutch, causing a temporary lack of acceleration. There may even be an accompanying burning smell.