Average Guy

Quick update, I decided to do a drain and fill twice and added some Trans-X as a last ditch effort. I was surprised that the fluid that drained out was so black that I had to double check that I didn't actually drain the engine oil on mistake. No mistake was made and to think the dip stick was not that bad. After the two flushes and Trans-X the sounds are now gone, but the tranny just slips. The fluid I added was a Dex/Merc and as best as I can tell should be a direct replacement. I guess its possible that the reason the noise is gone is that the pump has completely failed and thus a complete tranny fail.

Thanks for getting back to me. The groan or whining sounds like a power steering pump moan. The car may drive from a cold start a few blocks and then make noise. It may be at low RPM and disappear as the motor revs only to come back at the next gear. Sometimes its noisy from a cold start and fades to a less noisy as you drive. Someone joked that my sube had a super charger on it. I have felt on some trips that there is a bit of slip between gears and other times it shifts firm. The fluid is pink with some dark discolorations, but most people would say it looks fine. I don't smell any burnt smell, but I thought that when I got out of the car I smelled a hot smell that wasn't the normal engine oil smell. The repair shop that I use specializes in subarus and said they knew of a guy who drove for 5 years with his car making noise. I rely on this car to much to gamble like that, but was just looking for suggestions for what might be a "normal" subaru issue. No hard feelings for your thoughts. I just need ideas so I can make a wise decision on this cars future. Dave

Hi every one. Long time member, but first time posting. I have a 1990 legacy wagon with AT and 300k miles. I love this car and its my daily driver. A week ago it started to make a groaning sound that matches the engine RPMs. I took it to the shop and they said the pump in the tranny is failing and a new/used/rebuilt tranny is the only fix. I asked about a fluid flush and the answer was a big "not going to help". I cant find any threads on this so I'm trowing this out to you all. Any idea for a fix? Would the Trans-X super cure help? Is it time for a new tranny or sube? Thanks, Dave

If you are anything like Roy then Im in. Let me know what you need to send me a copy. D