Clutch Replacement: Why Using High-Quality Parts Matters for Your Toyota or Subaru

Your vehicle’s clutch system is essential for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. Whether you drive a Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner, or a Subaru Outback, Forester, or WRX, a properly functioning clutch ensures smooth shifting, reliable performance, and long-term drivability. At A&A The Shop, we’ve seen firsthand how using high-quality clutch kits and components makes a major difference in performance and longevity.

What Does the Clutch Do?

The clutch allows you to engage and disengage engine power to the transmission when shifting gears. It consists of several key components:

Clutch disc
Pressure plate
Throw-out (release) bearing
Flywheel

When any of these components wear out or fail, you may experience poor shifting, slipping, or complete loss of drive.

Signs Your Clutch May Need Replacement

If your clutch is worn or failing, you may notice:
Slipping under acceleration – Engine revs increase without matching speed
Shuddering or vibration – Especially when taking off from a stop
Hard or notchy shifting – Difficulty getting into gear
Burning smell – Caused by excessive clutch slippage
Noise when pressing the clutch pedal – Often related to the throw-out bearing

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

Why High-Quality Clutch Parts Matter

Not all clutch kits are created equal. At A&A The Shop, we use Exedy clutch kits for Subaru and Aisin clutch kits for Toyota, both are trusted original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

Using high-quality parts provides:

Smooth engagement – Reduces chatter, shuddering, and vibration
Longer service life – Better materials resist heat and wear
Consistent pedal feel – Predictable and reliable performance
Reduced noise – Prevents squeaks and bearing issues

Lower-quality clutch kits often lead to premature failure, poor drivability, and repeat repairs—costing more in the long run.

Flywheel Resurfacing or Replacement

The flywheel plays a critical role in clutch performance. When replacing a clutch, we always:

Resurface the flywheel if it is within specifications
Replace the flywheel if it is excessively worn, cracked, or out of tolerance

A properly prepared flywheel ensures even contact with the clutch disc, preventing vibration, chatter, and premature wear.

Throw-Out Bearing Sleeve Repairs

On some Toyota and Subaru models, the throw-out bearing rides on a sleeve (snout) that can wear or become damaged over time. If not addressed, this can lead to:

Noise during clutch operation
Premature bearing failure
In severe cases, transmission damage

At A&A The Shop, we install sleeve repair kits when needed, restoring the mounting surface and preventing the need for full transmission replacement. This is a critical step that many shops overlook.

Clutch Replacement Done Right at A&A The Shop

When you bring your vehicle to us for clutch service, we take a complete system approach:

Install Exedy (Subaru) or Aisin (Toyota) clutch kits
Inspect and service the flywheel
Replace or repair the throw-out bearing sleeve if needed
Check hydraulics, pilot bearing, and related components
Ensure proper installation and break-in guidance

Our goal is to give you a clutch that feels like new—and lasts.

Schedule Your Clutch Inspection or Replacement Today

If you’re experiencing clutch issues, don’t wait for a breakdown. Trust A&A The Shop for professional clutch replacement using high-quality OEM components designed for your Toyota or Subaru.

Subaru CVT Transmission Problems: What You Need to Know

Subaru has earned a reputation for building reliable all-wheel drive vehicles, but its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has been a topic of concern for many owners. At A&A The Shop, we have serviced countless Subarus and have seen an increasing number of CVT-related issues in models equipped with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT system. While CVTs offer smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, they can also develop problems that impact performance and longevity.

If you have noticed delayed acceleration, shuddering, or a high-pitched whining sound, your Subaru’s CVT may need attention. Here’s what you need to know about Subaru CVT issues and how to prevent costly repairs.

Common Subaru CVT Problems

1. Shuddering & Jerking

Many Subaru owners report shaking or jerking when accelerating from a stop.
This can be caused by worn transmission fluid, belt slippage, or internal variator issues.
Subaru has issued CVT software updates for some models to help reduce this problem.

2. Delayed Acceleration & Slipping

If your Subaru hesitates before accelerating, it could be due to fluid degradation or a failing valve body.
Some drivers experience high RPMs without a corresponding increase in speed, indicating belt slippage.

3. High-Pitched Whining or Droning Noise

A whining noise when accelerating can indicate worn pulley bearings or fluid aeration.
Ignoring this issue can lead to total transmission failure.

4. Fluid Breakdown & Contamination

Subaru recommends CVT fluid changes every 100,000 miles under a normal maintenance service table, but in our experience, 30,000–40,000 miles is a safer interval.
Old fluid loses its lubrication properties, leading to excessive wear and overheating.

5. Transmission Error Codes & Limp Mode

If your Subaru enters limp mode (reduced power) and triggers a Check Engine Light, it may be a CVT-related issue.
Common CVT trouble codes include:
- P0841 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor Circuit Low
- P0868 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
- P0741 – Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance

Which Subaru Models Have CVT Problems?

While Subaru has improved its CVTs over the years, certain models are more prone to failures:

2010–2013 Subaru Outback & Legacy (First-generation Lineartronic CVT)
2013–2017 Subaru Crosstrek (Early FB20 engine models)
2014–2018 Subaru Forester (FB25 engine models)
2019+ Subaru Ascent (Higher torque load on the CVT)

Subaru extended its CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on many 2010–2018 models, so if your transmission fails within this period, you may be eligible for free repairs.

How to Prevent CVT Issues

Regular CVT Fluid Changes – Change CVT fluid every 50,000–60,000 miles to prevent overheating and premature wear.
Update CVT Software – Some Subaru models have factory updates that improve performance and longevity.
Avoid Hard Acceleration – CVTs don’t handle high torque well, so smooth driving extends their lifespan.
Watch for Early Symptoms – Address slipping, whining noises, or shuddering early to avoid total transmission failure.

When Does a CVT Need Replacement?

If your Subaru’s CVT starts slipping excessively, or losing drive, a complete transmission replacement may be required. Unfortunately, Subaru CVTs are not easily rebuildable, meaning most shops must replace the entire unit, which can cost $4,000–$7,000.

At A&A The Shop, we can diagnose early symptoms and help you avoid costly replacements by offering preventative maintenance and CVT inspections.

Get Your Subaru’s CVT Inspected Today

At A&A The Shop, our team specializes in Subaru repairs, including CVT maintenance, and fluid changes, to extend the life of your transmission. If you’re experiencing delayed acceleration, overheating, or unusual transmission behavior, don’t wait—bring your Subaru in for a CVT inspection today.

Call us at 907-562-3919 to schedule an appointment.

Don’t let CVT issues lead to costly repairs—let us help you keep your Subaru running smoothly for years to come!

When should I change my oil?

Engine oil keeps everything in your Subaru's engine moving smoothly. Keeping your engine oil clean is vital to your engine’s performance. It’s just as important as filling your vehicle with gas because if the oil runs out, your engine won't run and your vehicle can’t get you where you need to go. Think of oil changes as an investment because regular oil servicing keeps the engine healthy and enables it to provide many miles of trouble-free motoring.

Many vehicle manufacturers used to recommend replacing your oil every 3,000 miles especially in extreme weather environments like Alaska. This has changed in recent years and extended oil changes have become the norm. While lubricants have become better, especially synthetic oils, we still recommend changing your oil frequently, around 4,000 miles especially in extreme service climates. Engine oil lubricates and protects your engine’s internal components by reducing friction between the moving parts. It also carries away dirt and metal particles which are trapped in the filter, keeping the engine clean and free from contaminants.

An oil change is particularly important if you have long intervals between each service or if the mileage on your engine is very high. If you notice dirty or extra black oil on your dip stick when you check your oil, or if you are not sure how long it has been since your last oil service, come visit us at A&A The Shop. Our engine oil experts can recommend the right oil service for your Subaru.

Having a clean oil filter for your engine is just as important as having clean oil. The filter cleans the oil as it passes through, collecting debris and stopping it from slugging up the engine. The filter fills with this sludge and should be changed with every oil change.

At A&A The Shop we ensure your engine will receive the highest quality oil, suited for our Alaskan climate that will help keep your engine running in peak condition. While regular standard engine oil is perfectly adequate for most Subaru’s, synthetic oil is required for some of the later model Subarus and offers many advantages. It is engineered to exceed the capabilities of mineral oil, and the manufacturer’s standards.

For Alaskans, advantages are that synthetic oils remain fluid at lower temperatures, where standard oils thicken when it gets cold. Synthetic oil can also remain stable at higher temperatures. Standard motor oil starts to break down when it gets very hot, whereas synthetic does not. This means that synthetic oil provides optimum lubrication in a larger temperature range, reducing wear for cleaner and more efficient engine operation for your Subaru. Ideal for Alaska.

The proper disposal of old engine oil is an ecological responsibility that A&A The Shop takes very seriously. Oil is a necessity in order for your Subaru to work properly but it can also be very harmful to the environment if not handled properly. That means that all of the used oil we collect has to be disposed of responsibly in order to maintain our beautiful state. A&A The Shop recycles oil to heat our shop facility. In fact 100% of our shop heat is from used oil. Any that is left over is recycled. We work with a city-licensed oil collector who processes industrial waste but also uses our oil for state wide projects so that nothing goes to waste. We take our responsibility very seriously and this is just one way we help to protect our environment. Make sure to visit A&A The Shop regularly for an environmentally safe, professional oil changes.

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ARTICLE ON YOUR VEHICLES HEATING SYSTEM

Staying Warm in the Alaska Cold

Turning a knob on your dashboard is just the first step of your vehicle's heating system. There's a lot more involved in getting heat inside your vehicle to keep you warm. Before turning your heat on, it is best to allow the engine to warm up first. Once your vehicle's engine has warmed up, the heating components can do their job to provide serious warmth inside.

The Heat Process Starts in the Engine

As a simple explanation, the pistons in your vehicle's engine are designed to allow in a mixture of gasoline and air and then causes an "explosion" in the cylinder. Because the walls of a cylinder are thin and the engine block is mostly hollow these "explosions", with the help of engine friction causes a build-up of heat.

The temperatures in an engine combustion chamber can get as high as 4,500 F (2,500 C). Much of this heat goes out through your vehicle's exhaust system. The hollow space inside the cylinder head, and around the valves, is filled with coolant that has been added to your vehicle. If an engine is allowed to run without coolant for very long, the extreme heat will causes serious problems and could even cause the engine to seize up completely.

Coolant Is Needed For Heat

The coolant that is needed in your vehicle for the cooling system is also needed for the heating system. Because engine parts become damaged at high temperatures, the added coolant circulates through the engine, cools it down and then passes that heat on through to the heater core.

The heater core, a small radiator-like unit located under your dashboard or HVAC housing, works like a heat exchanger. The heater core is comprised of numerous coils and has a blower motor. The coolant that was warmed in the cylinder head flows through the heater core and then returns to the pump.

Calling For Heat

When you turn on your vehicle's heater, the system calls for the blower-motor fan to blow over the heater core and then directs that heat into the inside of your automobile.

If your engine has not warmed up sufficiently when the air is especially cold outside, your vehicle's heater could actually blow cold air inside. Allow your engine to heat up as it will help it produce the heat you want and will allow your thermostat to open so your engine's coolant will circulate efficiently. An adequately warmed up engine allows the heater core to build up and retain heat so that when the fan blows over it you get nice warm air.

A& A's ASE Certified Technicians are experts in your vehicle's heater system inspection, diagnosis and repair. If you suspect that something is not right with your heating system give us a call. You can be confident that your vehicle will get professional heating/cooling service at A & A The Shop in Anchorage, AK!

A&A The Shop Speaks Out on the Subaru Head Gasket Issue

Subaru makes one of the best engineered automobile engines in the world but, A&A the Shop has seen an increasing number of Subaru cars with failing head gaskets. This generally happens around the 100,000 mile mark and needs to be repaired quickly, before even more extensive damage occurs to your car's engine. While Subaru is aware of the problem, they only offered to extend the manufacturer's guarantee on certain 2003 models; it was extended to 8 years or 100,000.

The Subaru Head Gasket Problem

A number of Subaru models are affected, however the most common failures include the 2.5 Liter SOHC engine used in the late 1999-2004, Forester, Impreza, Outback and Legacy.

Signs and symptoms of engine head gasket failure include:

Engine overheating
Unexplained loss of engine coolant without an obvious sign of leakage
Coolant with an odor of engine exhaust or oil
Discolored coolant in the coolant recovery container (sooty of black color)

Call A&A The Shop

If a Subaru dealership replaces your head gaskets expect to pay $2,000 or more and have the same part that failed installed again. However, A&A the Shop is Anchorage's alternative to this is a head gasket designed to our specifications that is now being used nationwide. Our service technicians are experienced Subaru mechanics and we always use parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications. Call us at 907-562-3919 to answer any questions you have about your Subaru and its head gaskets. Or bring your car in for an estimate at either our Anchorage or Eagle River location.

Replace the Head Gaskets Not the Car

Even though replacing the head gaskets on a Subaru is an expensive repair, the good news is that we at A&A back up all parts and labor with our 24 month/24,000 mile warranty. We have changed the design of the head gasket and the replacement gaskets do the job extremely well. Subaru brand cars are renowned for their durability and most Subaru cars can easily give you an additional 100,000 miles or more following a head gasket replacement.

Replacing the head gaskets gives us the opportunity to make other important needed maintenance while we have your motor disassembled. Seals and gaskets that are subject to wear will be changed out during the replacement of your head gaskets. In addition, the water pump, timing belt and timing belt tensioner pulley can be replaced for far less than normal while the engine is out.

A&A does a thorough inspection of your car before asking you to authorize the work so that if any other potential and costly issues are found you can make an informed decision. Certainly, you would be a bit put out to discover after a major engine repair that you also need a new exhaust system!

Prevention

There is no known way of preventing your head gaskets from failing on your Subaru. However, following proper maintenance schedules and using genuine Subaru parts and fluids will helpto prolong the time of failure. A&A wants you to know that not all cars will fail. That is why when we do your oil change we physically inspect head gaskets to see any early warning signs of failure. Early detection of failed head gaskets is important to prevent other damage to your engine. Once repaired your car will give you thousands of miles of service without the head gasket problem reoccurring. Trust your Subaru to A&A the Shop and get the most professional, affordable, and reliable Subaru head gasket replacement in Anchorage. Call us now at 907-562-3919.