Cable/Hydraulic Clutch actuator issue (03 Forester)

[Wiscon_Mark]

I'm not actually sure what its called, but I know this:

In 2003, Subaru went back to a cable actuated Hill holder. To do this, they introduced a cable/hydraulic hybrid system to make the hill holder work while still using a hydraulic clutch system.

Now, the problem. Sometime I get really really rough clutch engagement. No throwout bearing noise whatsoever. 60% of the time its just fine, but the other 40 its very difficult to not get clutch shudder when starting in 1st gear. I believe the culprit is this:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/bvnKk-1.jpg

I discovered it because I started getting a sqeak when pushing in the clutch. I used some chain grease spray on it and the squeak went away, and so did my clutch shudder! I didn't have a problem for about a week, so I figured this thing was sticking (the spring looks horrible) and causing the clutch to not engage properly.

The problem's back now, so I think I just patched the problem, but does anyone have any other suggestions for a fix or a possible different cause?

[Thomistopheles]

I can bring some naval jelly to clean up the rusty parts when I come up there, if you don't already have some. Try disconnecting the cable to disable the hill holder and see if the problem persists. If it's out of adjustment, broken, or sticking, there's a good chance the intermittent shuddering/engagement issues are due to fighting with locked brakes thanks to the hill holder.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I would've thought so myself, but it doesn't do it until almost at the end of engagement. Wouldn't it manifest itself early on when I'm just starting up? Also, when I actually do use it, it works fine.

I mean, we should definitely try it, see if it makes any difference. I'm not living in San Francisco or anything...I can deal without.