Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ Might Have a Squeaky Clutch Pedal or Shifting Issues

by Ezekiel Lee September 23, 2025

If you own a second-generation Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ, you may have already noticed a squeaky clutch pedal or subtle shifting problems even with low mileage.
This is not just an annoyance—it’s a mechanical issue that starts inside the transmission.

Here’s what’s really happening and how you can prevent costly damage.

1. The Root Cause: Minimal Factory Grease

From the factory, Toyota/Subaru applied only a thin layer of grease to the throwout bearing and clutch fork assembly.
Unfortunately, this light coating doesn’t hold up under the heat and stress of normal driving—let alone spirited use.

The result?
Rapid wear and metal-on-metal contact.

2. Premature Scoring on the Throwout Bearing

The throwout bearing carrier can show visible scoring with as little as 2,000 miles on the odometer.
This wear leads to rough clutch engagement and eventually to that telltale squeak when you press the pedal.

3. Reusing an Old-Generation Part

Making matters worse, the OEM throwout bearing itself is a carryover from the first-generation (Gen 1) 86/BRZ platform.
This older design is known for weak lubrication and doesn’t meet the demands of the updated FA24 engine’s higher torque and higher RPM use.

4. A Shallow Grease Trap

Inside the bearing, the internal grease channel (grease trap) is too shallow.
Grease wears out quickly and fails to stay in place, causing insufficient lubrication long before most owners expect any maintenance.

5. How This Leads to Clutch & Shifting Problems

As lubrication fails:

Squeaky clutch pedal sounds emerge.
Shifting issues develop due to increased friction and component wear.
Over time, damage spreads to transmission parts, increasing the repair bill.

6. The Bottom Line

This design flaw explains why so many GR86 and BRZ owners experience clutch noises and shifting difficulties early on—even with gentle driving.

Thank you, Subaru… for reusing a Gen 1 part that clearly wasn’t up to the job.

7. What Owners Can Do

If you’re experiencing squeaks or stiffness:

Schedule an inspection to check the throwout bearing and fork assembly.
Ask your shop about re-greasing with a high-temperature, high-pressure grease—not the thin factory coating.
Consider an upgraded throwout bearing or aftermarket clutch fork kit designed for better lubrication and longevity.

Key Takeaway

A squeaky clutch pedal on a Gen 2 GR86 or BRZ isn’t just a nuisance—it’s an early warning sign.
The combination of minimal factory grease, shallow grease channels, and a carryover bearing design can lead to premature transmission wear.

Addressing it proactively will save money and help your car deliver the crisp, precise shifting it was built for.