2001 Subaru Outback review from North America

Clutch shudder occured inside 36,000. Failed heater blower occured at 75,000. Dogs pulled stitching in the back seat at 45,000 but it was resewn easily by a professional.

Two comments: 1) Does anyone know where to find a service manual that includes clutch replacement? I am about to do mine myself and would like a few pointers. 2) I would like to hear from others having clutch shudder issues that have been resolved. Having sold auto parts and turned wrenches for some time in the past, I know shudder is either caused by a warped flywheel (not likely on a new car) or oily substance on the clutch disk. There are four places oil can come from: a failed clutch slave cylinder seeping in, a failed rear main engine seal, a failed oil pan gasket, and a failed front transmission seal. One other person noted no problems after replacing the clutch and front transmission seal. I tend to suspect it is the transmission seal that is the culprit in most cases mentioned in this forum, as it is frequently overlooked and not addressed as part of routine clutch replacements. Repetitive warranty claims for clutch shudder are likely the result of poorly trained mechanics changing clutch parts and not changing the transmission seal additionally.