Forester Centre Differential Problem/Circlip Failure

[Forester09]

My 2009 Forester has done 90,000km and is 2 years and 3 months out of warranty. (Kilometers not miles).

After observing a large oil leak the car was taken for service on a
flattop. Advice received from the transmission expert, it that this is
a common problem in Subarus. The Subaru dealer naturally doesn't know
of any problems in this area and advised that they won't assist with
cost of repairs due to the car being well out of warranty.

The vehicle has been serviced regularly and driven well. There has never been overloading or abuse.
 

I was just going to wear the cost when they told me it was going to be
ballpark A$2K. Once the transmission was pulled down and the damage
assessed I received an approximate A$4K quotation and was told that it was a common
fault and I should take a look on Google to satisfy my queries and the
commonality.  (Ballpark figures on quotation are: $2,600 on gear box repair ready to go straight back into car all bearings being replaced even the ones that look ok, $600 labour costs, $600 clutch kit heavy duty clutch recommended, $110 fly
wheel machine for clutch, $77 gear box oil.  Approximate costs in Australian Dollars.

If it is a common fault I was then going to Subaru to ask for assistance, perhaps parts.

What the tranmission "expert" said to me yesterday was: "This
differential gets replaced in alot in Subarus - failure is not uncommon.
He said he has seen one at 86,000km and many at 150 - 200,000km.
(Remember guys we deal in kilometers not miles, we are also talking Australian Dollars not U.S.).

He said the circlip has come off the centre differential and because of
this the gear box has been damaged with fragments and although some of
the bearings look fine, they all need to be replaced otherwise I might
end up with the same problem again. He did not recommend the use of
secondhand parts for the reasons outlined above.

I would appreciate input from the Forum. I have not ever spent this amount on a
car repair in my life and it hurts! I used to drive an Alfa Romeo and
that didn't cause me one problem (despite everyone telling me it would).
This Subaru is supposed to be bullet proof. Seems not.

You will appreciate that when having the car towed and taken to a "transmission expert" alot of the
decision making was out of my hands. I am just trying to make a more
informed decision by contacting the Forum.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, bearing in mind that
every day I procrastinate, is another day I am without a vehicle and
using a loan car. And yes, if I have to wear it. I have to wear it.

Please help.


Jane