I am getting the howling clutch noise when it's cold outside. It goes away when it is warm and I can avoid it by riding the clutch a little more than normal in 1st gear. I read that I should replace my clutch and flywheel. So, that is on the docket for sometime in the future.

So, my questions are:

How long can I drive it this way?

How hard it this to DIY (never done one on any car)? And, given that I might not have all of the tools and skill, what should I expect to pay to have it done (in NorCal)?

Any good suggestions in a replacement clutch kit for a daily driver (good performance with reliability)?

 

I have the same issue. If I remember correctly, I read on here that the flywheel or something is warping (please correct me if I'm wrong)? I also read that it isn't anything crucial. Like you, I just take it easy.

 

glazed flywheel i think...I dont think you should be worried unless the noise bothers you apparently this doesnt taint driving.

 

Thanks @04-Mini-S and @rbb

Glad to hear it isn't crucial. Just annoying. I can deal with that.

 

Its a common problem. Mine started making the noise about 3 weeks after i got the car. I get it all the time. I found it to go away most of the time after i got a CAI, my theory on this is that basically i don't need to give her as much gas when coming from a stop. Anyways, its not a hiuge deal... that said my clutch is starting to slip a little bit, and has lost the stiffness. But, thats unrelated i believe, as it is probably time for a new clutch. Ps- the job is very expensive. I was quoted 13 hours by BrRacing in los gatos @ $115 an hour (before parts). Im personally gonna go the aftermarket route, and im thinking I'll go for the clutchmasters fx200. But i have read some bad reviews, so im also lookin at the spec stage 2. anyways, good luck!
-Austin