RavenTBK Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Okay... recently, my new-to-me-soon-to-be-oil-leak-free 79 has developed some (feels like) hefty play in the driveline somewhere. In the higher gears especially, when on and off the throttle, there seems to be a lot of movement in there accompanied with some torque steer off to the left. On a side note, I've noted that my left outboard CV is soon to be replaced, as it makes some nifty dolphin style clicks and clacks when turned hard. I dont perceive this as to be the cause of the excessive play, as I would figure a worn out axle would cause torque steer to the opposite side, as the worn out side would move the most. This free play isnt as noticable when in 4x, but can still be felt slightly. Any heads up on what could be in the process of failing; so I can get my wallet ready for another blow? Oh yes..on the other side of things, possibly unrelated to the driveline play.. how long is the dipstick supposed to be that goes in the differential tube hole? I cant find one to save my life, so I have it plugged; but I figure I could use a wire or something to measure the level if I knew how long the dipstick is supposed to be from the top of the tube down. I've got some GL4 ready if need be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oddcomp Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 motor and tranny mounts mine does the same thing has a real nifty thud when i downshift the auto into first even at 5-10 mph and before i changed out a crapped cv joint it also pulled hard under power i suspect it was caused by the cv binding and sending more power to the other side of the diff... all theory of course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Ball joints GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RavenTBK Posted March 10, 2004 Author Share Posted March 10, 2004 Interesting... I wouldnt have thought the balljoints could cause the feeling of free play in the driveline. There isnt much in line of steering play, which is what would make me immediately think balljoint.. but I'll check it out. I'm a veteran of older Z cars.. and Subaru front wheel drive is new to me. Tonight I'll take the weight off the front end and try to wiggle my wheels. I dont think I've checked my balls yet, so guess nows a good time to do so. I already checked the motor and transmission mounts.. that was one of the first things I thought of. Any other thoughts or additions? Everything seems cheap and simple so far; I'd figured the first thing I'd see is "transmission shot" or something similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qman Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Two things come to mind from your description. This free play isnt as noticable when in 4x, but can still be felt slightly. This tells me the driveline isn't involved. An open diff won't neccessarily transfer power to the other side. It will look for the least resistance. My guess would be the front axle shaft. Also look at your engine and transmission mounts. Check that your pitch stopper is still there and intact. Torque steer is a normal thing in a Subaru. Are your tires in good shape with even tread at all four corners? Tonight I'll take the weight off the front end and try to wiggle my wheels. I dont think I've checked my balls yet, so guess nows a good time to do so. Now, that sounds very funny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oddcomp Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 yes qman that does sound fun y at least i know what shape mine are in lol torque steer is normal? i don't have hardly any in mine.. but then again i am wierd so who knows see ya thursday morning ish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted March 10, 2004 Share Posted March 10, 2004 Your description of it steering with the gas pedal was what lead me to the ball joints. I had this same problem when I first bought my Brat from Zapar - he was kind enough to tell me what the problem was, and after checking, it was indeed the ball joint on the passemger side. It would steer to the right on accel, and steer to the left on decel..... it's easy enough to check, just jack the car up, and have a look at them - if the boots are ripped they are bad, or if you can feel any movement with a prybar between the lower control arm and the knuckle they are bad. That said, I agree with others that a binding axle could cause it to want to transfer more or less power to one wheel. But I have never personally experienced that. Also could be bad front wheel bearings - these will usually make lots of noise tho, indicating they are bad. Steering play is generally indicative of bad tie rod ends, or a bad rack. Sometimes on lifted rigs it's a bad linkage enxtension..... GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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