Hi there,

I just purchased a used X w/ about 19k miles and now I am starting to suspect that the clutch is on its way out. When cruising in 3rd, 4th, or 5th gear and getting into boost, the RPMs blip slightly (500 to 750rpm) before coming back down to normal and the car accelerating normally.
I have no idea how the car was driven previously, but it's in great shape otherwise.
After looking through some of the other threads and other forums, I found that there could be a rear main seal issue causing the clutch to slip or it could just be wearing out.
I need to know what the normal mode of failure is when the clutch wears out. Also, if anyone here has had rear main seal issues, how did that manifest itself in terms of clutch feel? (I will be checking for any sort of oil residue around the bell housing as well)

When cruising in 3rd, 4th, or 5th gear and getting into boost, the RPMs blip slightly (500 to 750rpm) before coming back down to normal and the car accelerating normally.

That right there would be the symptoms of a clutch going out.

That right there would be the symptoms of a clutch going out.


:+1:

Make sure you upgrade it while you're at it.

yeah, and lasting to 19k miles is pretty good. so whoever had it before you must not have beat on it too bad... so that's a good thing. But definetly time for an upgrade (unless you like paying $1500 for a new clutch every 15-20k miles)

That's certainly a good sign on a used X, that the clutch lasted that long. Mine lasted to about 20k, but I really didn't beat on it. At least it gives you an excuse to upgrade!

yeah, and lasting to 19k miles is pretty good. so whoever had it before you must not have beat on it too bad... so that's a good thing. But definetly time for an upgrade (unless you like paying $1500 for a new clutch every 15-20k miles)

a new oem clutch costs $1500?

a new oem clutch costs $1500?

Yes, a new clutch runs in the neighborhood of $1500-$1800 as installed by a Mitsu Dealer if I understand correctly.
I did just buy the car, and the 30-day warranty paperwork says that Clutch Disc Friction Lining is covered, so hopefully they will replace. I was not quite ready to start purchasing mods, but if I have to I guess I will. There is no way I will be paying for an OEM replacement...

I'm at 23k and it still runs strong! But ya its definitely time for an upgraded one if I'm gonna push more power.

Here's a sure way to tell... Get going about 30mph, put the car in 5th, floor it. If the rpms shoot up and the car doesn't it's a goner.

Here's a sure way to tell... Get going about 30mph, put the car in 5th, floor it. If the rpms shoot up and the car doesn't it's a goner.


Why 5th? The higher gear you're in, the easier it is for the clutch to hold, especially at low RPM(going 30mph). You might have no problems in 5th while having serious problems in 1st and 2nd. I would say if you're slipping in any gear, then upgrade.

I concur that I think the clutch might be going man.

Why 5th? The higher gear you're in, the easier it is for the clutch to hold, especially at low RPM(going 30mph). You might have no problems in 5th while having serious problems in 1st and 2nd. I would say if you're slipping in any gear, then upgrade.

agreed - that comment makes no sense...

aw man i think i have the same problem. also when i let go of the gas pedal sometimes pulling into a parking spot, the rpm's stay at like 2-3k and dont go down until after 5+ seconds (could be a completely different issue, i have no idea haha)

aw man i think i have the same problem. also when i let go of the gas pedal sometimes pulling into a parking spot, the rpm's stay at like 2-3k and dont go down until after 5+ seconds (could be a completely different issue, i have no idea haha)

no that's normal. also will happen if say you think you are about to go so you start to slip the clutch. but then something happens and you realize you aren't going anywhere so you push the pedal back to the floor immediatelly. The rpms will shoot up to 3k and hold for a bit before dropping back down.

lastly, if you rev your engine while stopped, in gear, and with the clutch dissengaged but then let your foot off the gas, the rpms will take forever to fall back down. I've burnt the clutch a couple times because of this. (mostly when some f*cko walks in front of my car when I have the light and I can't honk at pedestrians but revving the engine sure makes them jump lol.)

agreed - that comment makes no sense...

Actually it does make sense. Going slowly in a higher gear and then flooring it will make your clutch slip easier than anything else.

Thanks for all the responses so far. So I took the car in this morning to be looked at (at the place I bought it from, not naming names) and of course, they could not conclude it's the clutch, even though they agree that "something might be wrong". Now I get to take it to the Mitsu Dealer to diagnose, as my goal is to get it replaced under the 30-day warranty that came with the car (clutch is covered, and also funds are an issue due to literally having purchased the car less than a week ago). If that does not happen, I'll get an upgraded clutch.

Thats what mine did as well. I got new clutch for 585 and installed for 800. Not sure were Round Rock, Tx is, but there is a guy down near Grapevine, Tx that will do install for 650 and he had done several. So if you are close to that you can have a new one for 1100.

Actually it does make sense. Going slowly in a higher gear and then flooring it will make your clutch slip easier than anything else.

cold hard facts of life....

if I end up buying a new clutch myself, I'll probably install it myself also. I know it a nice big job, but wouldn't be my first clutch job. Once did a '99 Camaro by myself, that was fun...

Actually it does make sense. Going slowly in a higher gear and then flooring it will make your clutch slip easier than anything else.

^^^ Yeah that!


Few things for people who think "their logic" supersedes years of experience... :)

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch2.htm

http://www.carspace.com/guides/How-to-Test-for-a-Slipping-Clutch

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/143011_diagnose-slipping-clutch-car.htm

Thanks for all the responses so far. So I took the car in this morning to be looked at (at the place I bought it from, not naming names) and of course, they could not conclude it's the clutch, even though they agree that "something might be wrong". Now I get to take it to the Mitsu Dealer to diagnose, as my goal is to get it replaced under the 30-day warranty that came with the car (clutch is covered, and also funds are an issue due to literally having purchased the car less than a week ago). If that does not happen, I'll get an upgraded clutch.

Go to an independent mechanic / transmission shop or a few even. Get them all to check your car out and give you estimates. That way you have some proof that you had a valid claim and the dealership was just putting you off to get past the 30 days. Then take "Copies" of those back to the service manager and tell him you want it fixed.

going to the mitsu dealer next saturday.

irmern i have been experiencing the same thing you have and my car as 4200 miles on it. So i agree with everyone just upgrade the clutch to something stronger, i think this is a mod every Evo owner should do stock or not.

irmern i have been experiencing the same thing you have and my car as 4200 miles on it. So i agree with everyone just upgrade the clutch to something stronger, i think this is a mod every Evo owner should do stock or not.
defintitely. don't get me wrong, I *will* be upgrading the clutch, just don't like the idea of having to do it after just buying the car. if I can get it replaced for free under warranty by the place I bought it from I will. If not, it's going to be upgraded.
:yeahthat:

defintitely. don't get me wrong, I *will* be upgrading the clutch, just don't like the idea of having to do it after just buying the car. if I can get it replaced for free under warranty by the place I bought it from I will. If not, it's going to be upgraded.
:yeahthat:

Believe me i feel the same way i have had the car about 3 months and have done about 5 launches thats all it took. So i am a little pissed about that but there are a lot of things that make up for it. so i can live with it and just upgrade as i planned on doing when i first got the car. If you can get it on warranty i say go for it they really should not of sold the car to you like that. I have 2 friends from round rock ill ask them if they see you around, good luck on the car.