# 1999 Subaru Outback clutch pedal intermitently sticking mid return

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** suspension\
**Created:** [March 12, 2014, 9:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144 "2014-03-12T09:12:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![MCBMW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/91b2a8/32.png) [@MCBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MCBMW)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2014, 9:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144/1 "2014-03-12T09:12:39Z")

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So… looking for some leads or suggestions on this. I have a 99 Subaru Outback 5 speed that I love the hell out of. Anyway, recently my clutch pedal has started momentarily sticking mid return. The clutch appears to be fully engaged, but the pedal sticks, or hangs for a moment before popping the rest of the way up. Once, and only once so far, it stuck completely just for a moment before returning after being depressed again.

I’m not sure how concerned I should be, and given that the car is new to me I’m still trying to familiarize myself with it. If anyone has suggestions for something I should check please let me know.

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**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2014, 4:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144/2 "2014-03-12T16:59:53Z")

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My best guess is that the clutch master cylinder is in bad shape.  
If you have it replaced, make sure that you also replace the slave cylinder.

But…as a first step, make sure that you check the level of fluid in the clutch master cylinder.

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**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2014, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144/3 "2014-03-12T17:05:57Z")

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Note that there is a TSB that might be relevant: [http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1065466](http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1065466)

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**Author:** ![MCBMW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/91b2a8/32.png) [@MCBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MCBMW)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 4:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144/4 "2014-03-13T04:43:04Z")

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Sounds like it might be related @cigroller … I’ll look into the hose and fluid first, and consider other less friendly problems second.

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 5:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-subaru-outback-clutch-pedal-intermitently-sticking-mid-return/84144/5 "2014-03-13T05:05:13Z")

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This kind of problem can also be caused by a throwout bearing hanging up. Those bearings ride on an aluminum snout that is part of the transmission case and over time the aluminum may develop a ridge or scar that causes the TO bearing to snag on.

In some aftermarket clutch kits a repair sleeve is included. That sleeve is stainless steel and fits over the transmission snout. The sleeve provides a smooth, hardened surface for the TO bearing to ride on.