Not so smooth 2001 L Wagon

[nugs15]

New owner of a 2001 L Wagon 5spd Man. with 91k miles. Car is in great shape just got it back from the shop with brand new tires and fluids.

Is it me or are these cars a little rougher when it comes to shifting gears the jerking and bump when releasing the clutch. I’ve driven sticks before mostly Hondas, VW and Toyotas and all feel very smooth. Just sold my Acura a few days ago for this and miss the comfort.

My gf was ripping on me today saying I hope you get used to it soon talking about the ride. I know most have the bumpy thing goin on in 1st gear at start up but I’m mostly talking about going into 2, 3,4, and 5 when I depress the clutch I feel a jerk.

Is it me?

[Huffer]

I actually find the Subaru clutch to be more forgiving that the extremely slick Hondas... I'm goofy footed anyway.

Let the clutch slip a tiny bit... put the car in 1st and see if you can make it move from a stop without gas.

[Sarra]

IMO, the 2000-2004 legacy came with a crappy clutch setup. No matter how carefully, gently or otherwise, I shifted, it was always jerky in my 2000 L. I actually wanted to get rid of that damn car because it was impossible to get a smooth ride out of it. Granted, that car had been abused before I owned it, but still.

I don't know what to tell you, there isn't anything I know of that can fix your complaint. =\

[nugs15]

Well maybe since I haven't owned my own stick shift I'm all worried about having to replace the clutch so I'm trying not to slip or beat on it to extend the life.

Moving in 1st without gas is fine I'm talking about the bump when depressing the clutch going into the gears after 1st I've always released the clutch after changing gears without the bump/jerk...... maybe I need to give a little more gas before taking my foot off the clutch? or slower release?

Again I think it's all in my head worrying about clutch wear.

[nugs15]

Sarra

Thanks for your input...thats what i was hoping to hear. I wanted to know if it was the car or me.

Thanks

keep the comments and suggestions coming

[deadlydave]

it seems to me that the clunking is you miss interpreting where the grab-point is. Just let the clutch out slower.

Suby clutches are pretty resillient--you want your clutch to absorb shock, otherwise it gets transmitted through your whole drivetrain.

[BE-Fresh]

I drive my car differently than I would a FWD or RWD. You have to let the clutch slip a little more than usual to get a smooth start. I don't know how, but I've finally figured out how to give the right amout of gas at a specific point of where the clutch lets out. I wish I could explain it

[Reason]

Ease the clutch out, my two Hondas were a different ride. With the subbie you either have to baby it or bang out the gears, no in between.

[J.McDonald Knives]

Either that or you are still pressing in the gas while pressing the clutch or you are shifting at too low or too high RPM. I find that shifting at 2500-3000 RPM is just perfect for mine but experiment with yours as well as playing with how slow or how fast you release the clutch. May want to also find the spot where it starts to grab and just ride it for a short bit.