Just found this site today- Excellent I must say!
'99 SUS (2.5L/4EAT) 71,700 mi
I've got the famous clunking noise when negotiating a tight turn(left AND right). I've spent most of this evening searching and reading other posts on this subject, and now I'm wondering why we still have this problem in '99 models? Maybe it's just a normal wear and tear induced failure? I'm not so sure.
Last week I spent the majority of one day diagnosing and changing fluids, etc. I found nothing wrong with any CV joints, boots, seals, mounts, U-joints, exhaust hangers, suspension components, etc. I also changed the the front & rear diff fluids with 85w/90, ATF with Subaru ATF, and fresh engine oil and filter. The ONLY leak on this entire vehicle is on both sides of the front diff- leaking from the diff itself, not the CV boots. The leak is very minor. So I took it to my dealer and had a technician ride along as we did figure 8's in the parking lot. He said it "might be something center diff related". OK....so I set a service appt. I show up this morning for the appt, they check it out and say "it's your transfer clutch solenoid". I have them figure up all the cost breakdown, yada yada, and then call the "War Dept." for authorization. Turns out they couldn't do it because they are missing one of the two gaskets that go on both sides of the metal plate. I've got all the parts in my hand except the second gasket(on order).
Compared to everyone else on this board, my dealer quoted me an outstanding price- approx $430 including tax. They said it's a 2.3 hr job($85 shop rate), parts were a $167. So if I do it myself I save at least $170. My Dealer is wongleflute Hannah Subaru in Vancouver, WA.
Parts I have:
2 exhaust manifold gaskets
1 transfer clutch solenoid w/ metal plate and one gasket- second on order
1 extension housing gasket- resembles a tranny pan gasket
So....... I'm getting ready to tackle the job of replacing the transfer clutch solenoid myself. Sounds pretty straight forward to me. Correct me if I'm wrong in explaining what I think is involved.
1) drop the exhaust
2) drop the driveline
3) drain ATF
4) unbolt the extension housing from rear of tranny(appears to be 13 bolts or so) being cautious of anything that may want to fall out of place
5) remove old solenoid, metal plate and gaskets
6) install new solenoid in the EXTENSION HOUSING in this order: gasket/plate/gasket/solenoid
7) reinstall extension housing w/ new gasket
8) the rest is self explanetary
Does this sound 'bout right?
Thanks guys!
Eric