spec clutch problems

by **~SolaRaSpeed~** » Wed May 06, 2009 11:42 pm

Last year at around 110k miles I finally swapped the stock clutch and decided to go with Spec (stage 1). All seemed good for a while although the clutch liked to chatter until it grabbed while getting it going in first gear. The clutch was installed by a shop that I trust and now at around 127k miles it is slipping in almost every gear. I think I'm going to need another clutch...

My question is, has anyone had this problem with Spec before or any other clutch manufacturer? Could it be install related or could it be another problem? The clutch pedal also feels soft and I smell burning clutch...

any help or comments welcome.

by **ptballer** » Thu May 07, 2009 10:47 am

Do you have a V6 or I4? I ordered spec clutch for my V6 and the throwout bearing included wasn't fitting correctly so I had to go with an OEM one.

by **~SolaRaSpeed~** » Thu May 07, 2009 9:30 pm

I have a v6. The shop that originally installed it had the same problem and they ended up getting one from toyota at no extra charge to me (not that it is expensive anyways).

by **facevedo17** » Fri May 08, 2009 10:31 pm

I had problem with spec stage 2 and I wasen't boosted at the time ..Im a now using a southbend clutch

by **1gSE** » Fri May 08, 2009 11:00 pm

ptballer wrote:Do you have a V6 or I4? I ordered spec clutch for my V6 and the throwout bearing included wasn't fitting correctly so I had to go with an OEM one.

wasn't it you or eye8pussies that mentioned something like this before? I remember reading it not too long ago and someone said go with the OEM piece

by **KILLA CAM** » Sat May 09, 2009 2:19 pm

I have a Spec Stage 2+ with a Fidanza lightweight flywheel with around ~4K miles on it. I'm crossing my fingers nothing goes wrong with it after reading this...

by **Gregtrd** » Sat May 09, 2009 2:34 pm

Did you break in the clutch when you first had it installed. I think it was something like 400 miles of grandma driving.(Street miles)

by **~SolaRaSpeed~** » Sun May 10, 2009 5:55 pm

I tried to be as nice as possible to the clutch for about 600 miles since some of it was highway. I only got on it once during break in since someone almost ran me off the road where 2 lanes converged, but it was only in 3rd gear that I applied power and involved no shifting.

by **RON** » Tue May 12, 2009 2:12 pm

Last year at around 110k miles I finally swapped the stock clutch and decided to go with Spec (stage 1). All seemed good for a while although the clutch liked to chatter until it grabbed while getting it going in first gear. The clutch was installed by a shop that I trust and now at around 127k miles it is slipping in almost every gear. I think I'm going to need another clutch...

My question is, has anyone had this problem with Spec before or any other clutch manufacturer? Could it be install related or could it be another problem? The clutch pedal also feels soft and I smell burning clutch...

I had a similar problem installing my Clutchmasters Stage 2 (Carbon Kevlar non segmented disc). I got chatter and a *spinning sound* when the clutch was disingaged (pedal down). This started after a month or so. Took it apart and we couldn't figure out what the problem was. Installed a NEW ONE (warranty) with no problems. I now have over 50K on it with no problems at all. I think something warped? If you smell buring and a soft pedal..your pressure plate or release bearing may be the problem.

by **~SolaRaSpeed~** » Tue May 12, 2009 9:10 pm

The clutch will be taken apart tomorrow so I will update what has happened then.

Thanks for all the input so far.

by **~SolaRaSpeed~** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:06 am

so I have heard back from my shop that the wear appears to be normal and there are no defects that would have caused this. I called Spec to discuss what might cause a clutch to only last 17k miles and the rep I talked to thought that 17k miles was "good" wear for a performance clutch. WTF is all I can say (maybe he thinks I drag race with a stage 1 clutch). Needless to say my business is going elsewhere.

Could a leak with the master cylinder cause the clutch to not fully disengage and cause excessive wear? I had a dealership replace a gasket on the master cylinder about 10k miles ago.

by **Eye8Pussies** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:18 pm

^ yes, that is actually quite possible

but I would think that excessive heat due to a problem like that would show on the clutch as well as on the flywheel once you take it off to look

by **~SolaRaSpeed~** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:08 pm

in 10k miles it might have worn some of that heat damage off maybe?

i will take a look at it tomorrow and take some pictures. I am starting to dislike Spec the more I talk to people about it. (and this is in reference to the stage 1. I hear good things about stage 2 and above so less need to worry Killa Cam)

by **Eye8Pussies** » Wed May 13, 2009 4:13 pm

I'm knocking on wood for my stage3

spec clutch problems

spec clutch problems

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