Atomic Autosports — Wickliffe, Ohio
2020 Subaru BRZ
Clutch Replacement & Forged Shift Fork
This 2020 Subaru BRZ Limited came to Atomic Autosports with a creaking noise every time the clutch pedal was pressed. Noise under pedal pressure points at the release mechanism rather than the disc, so the job started with an inspection before anything came apart. The fix was a complete clutch assembly replacement with flywheel and pilot bearing service, a new throw out bearing, a forged shift fork in place of the factory piece, and a full bleed of the clutch hydraulic system.
Build Photos
2020 Subaru BRZ — In the Shop
2020 Subaru BRZ Limited, 2.0L FA20D — Clutch assembly replacement and forged shift fork installation.
Clutch noise diagnosis · Clutch assembly R&R · Flywheel service · Pilot bearing · Throw out bearing · Forged shift fork · Slave cylinder bleed · HP-660 fluid
Build Detail
2020 Subaru BRZ — Clutch Service
2020
Subaru BRZ Limited Clutch Service
Clutch Replacement Forged Shift Fork Throw Out Bearing Pilot Bearing Flywheel Service Slave Cylinder Bleed HP-660 Fluid FA20D 2.0L Exhaust Flange Gaskets
A clutch pedal creak diagnosed and corrected properly on this 2020 Subaru BRZ Limited: the concern inspected before teardown, then the full clutch assembly removed and replaced with flywheel and pilot bearing service, a new throw out bearing, and a forged shift fork installed in place of the factory unit. Exhaust flange gaskets renewed on reassembly, driveline gear oil replaced, and the slave cylinder bled with HP-660 fluid to bring pedal feel back.
Diagnosis
- Clutch noise inspection and advise
- Customer concern of creaking under pedal pressure
- Release mechanism identified as the source
Clutch Assembly
- Clutch assembly removal and replacement
- Flywheel removal and replacement service
- Pilot bearing removal and replacement
- New throw out bearing
Fork & Hydraulics
- Forged shift fork installation
- Factory clutch fork removed
- Clutch slave cylinder bleed
- HP-660 high temperature fluid
Access & Reassembly
- Exhaust removed for transmission access
- Exhaust pipe flange gaskets replaced
- Driveline gear oil replaced
- 2020 Subaru BRZ Limited, 2.0L FA20D
Noise Diagnosed First
The car came in on a noise complaint, not a slipping clutch. Inspecting before tearing down is what confirms the release mechanism is the culprit rather than guessing and pulling a transmission on spec.
Full Clutch Assembly
Clutch assembly, flywheel service, pilot bearing, and a new throw out bearing. Everything behind the bellhousing that wears gets addressed while the transmission is already out.
Forged Shift Fork
A forged fork replaces the factory piece. It is stiffer and resists flexing under repeated pedal load, and fitting it now means not paying the same labor twice down the road.
System Bled Properly
The slave cylinder bled with HP-660 fluid to clear air from the circuit. Skip this and the pedal comes back soft and the clutch never fully disengages.
Common Questions
Subaru BRZ Clutch Questions
What causes a creaking noise when pressing the clutch pedal on a Subaru BRZ?
A creaking or groaning noise under clutch pedal pressure on a Subaru BRZ usually originates in the clutch release mechanism rather than the clutch disc itself. The clutch fork, the throw out bearing, and the pivot points they ride on all load up when the pedal is pressed, and wear at any of those contact points can produce noise. Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio diagnosed exactly this complaint on a 2020 Subaru BRZ Limited and traced it to the clutch release components.
Why install a forged clutch fork on a Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86?
A forged clutch fork is denser and stiffer than a stamped factory fork, so it resists flexing and deforming under repeated pedal load. On the BRZ, 86, and FR-S platform the clutch fork is a common point of wear, and replacing it with a forged unit while the transmission is already out avoids doing the same labor twice. Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio installed a forged shift fork on this 2020 Subaru BRZ during its clutch replacement.
What is a throw out bearing and why replace it with the clutch?
The throw out bearing, also called the release bearing, is what allows the clutch fork to press against the spinning pressure plate to disengage the clutch. It is a wear item that sits behind the transmission, so replacing it requires the same teardown as a clutch job. Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio replaces the throw out bearing as part of every clutch assembly replacement because the labor to reach it later costs far more than the part.
Does the exhaust have to come off to replace a Subaru BRZ clutch?
Yes. On the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S the exhaust must be dropped to remove the transmission and reach the clutch assembly. That is why exhaust pipe flange gaskets appear on a clutch repair order for these cars. Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio replaces those gaskets during reassembly rather than reusing compressed originals, which prevents an exhaust leak after the repair.
Why does the clutch system need to be bled after a clutch replacement?
The clutch on a Subaru BRZ is hydraulically actuated, and disturbing the slave cylinder during a clutch job introduces air into that circuit. Air in the line makes the pedal feel soft and can prevent the clutch from fully disengaging. Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio bled the slave cylinder on this 2020 Subaru BRZ using HP-660 high temperature fluid to restore a firm, consistent pedal.
Where can I get a Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, or Scion FR-S clutch replaced near Cleveland?
Atomic Autosports is a performance and motorsports shop located at 29251 Anderson Road, Wickliffe, OH 44092, serving Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. The shop performs clutch replacement, forged clutch fork installation, flywheel and pilot bearing service, and clutch hydraulic work on the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 and GR86, and Scion FR-S, along with motorsports alignment and track preparation.
Context
Why This BRZ Clutch Job Matters
A clutch that creaks is easy to ignore right up until it is not. Noise under pedal pressure is the release mechanism telling you something in the path between your foot and the pressure plate is wearing, and on the BRZ, 86, and FR-S platform that path runs through a clutch fork that works hard for a living. Left alone, a worn fork does not usually announce its failure politely.
The economics of this job are what make the decision straightforward. Reaching the clutch on this chassis means dropping the exhaust and pulling the transmission. Once the shop is that far in, the incremental cost of a new throw out bearing, a pilot bearing, and a forged fork is small compared to the labor of going back in six months to do one of them alone. Doing it all at once is not upselling, it is arithmetic.
Diagnose Before Teardown
The first line on this repair order was an inspection, not a parts order. Confirming that a noise is coming from the release mechanism before pulling a transmission is what separates a repair from an expensive guess.
One Teardown, Every Wear Item
Clutch assembly, flywheel, pilot bearing, throw out bearing, and fork all live behind the same bellhousing. Replacing them together turns one labor charge into a driveline that is genuinely sorted rather than partially refreshed.
Subaru, Toyota & Scion Performance Shop in Ohio
Built for This Work
Atomic Autosports specializes in clutch and driveline service, motorsports alignment, corner balancing, suspension setup, brake upgrades, performance exhaust installation, and track preparation for enthusiast vehicles like the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 and GR86, Scion FR-S, Mazda Miata, Corvette, Porsche, Honda S2000, and more.
Whether the car needs a clutch diagnosed, a driveline refreshed, or a full season of track development, our shop focuses on the details that determine whether the work holds up.
Looking for BRZ Clutch Replacement or Forged Fork Installation?
Subaru BRZ clutch replacement BRZ forged clutch fork FR-S clutch fork upgrade BRZ clutch pedal noise Toyota 86 clutch replacement FA20 throw out bearing Subaru performance shop near Cleveland Clutch shop Wickliffe Ohio
Get Started
Schedule Your BRZ Clutch Service
If your BRZ, 86, or FR-S is creaking under the clutch pedal, feeling soft at the top of the travel, or not disengaging cleanly, Atomic Autosports can diagnose it and fix it properly the first time. From clutch and flywheel service to forged fork installation, hydraulic bleeding, and full track preparation, we handle the details that determine whether the repair lasts.
Contact Atomic Autosports
Schedule Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S clutch replacement, forged fork installation, driveline service, and motorsports alignment.
Platforms We Know
Vehicles We Service
We work on the cars that matter to drivers who care. If you’re building it for the track, we know the platform.
Subaru
BRZ
Toyota
GR86 / 86
Scion
FR-S
Mazda
Miata / MX-5
Chevrolet
Corvette
Chevrolet
Camaro
Porsche
911 / Cayman
Honda
S2000
Honda
Civic / Type R
BMW
M Series
Ford
Mustang
Your Car?
Ask Us
Don’t see your platform? We work on most performance vehicles — contact us to discuss your build.
Ready to Prep Yours?
Schedule clutch and driveline service, forged fork installation, coilover and suspension work, brake upgrades, motorsports alignment, and full track preparation for your BRZ, 86, or FR-S — or any of the platforms we know. We make sure the car is ready to perform — safely and reliably.