Hi,
2008 Outback w/o Turbo 2.5L 4AT
Recently purchased this vehicle with 165,000 Kilometers (it came from Canada!!) with a known issue in the rear differential. It had the classic heavy vibration and grinding/ clicking noise when making tight turns.
So, I ordered a part from LKQ that was supposed to only have 50,000 miles on it, cost $200. It cost $180 to have it installed however, it turns out they gave me a bad part so now when I drive I've got an extremely heavy vibration when going over 35 mph and need to remove that rear differential ASAP.
My question is - if I am willing to live without the AWD feature, is it safe to reinstall my old part and just let it wear out over time? I understand that a rear diff can have a clutch system or a gear system and that with the clutch if it wears out I just lose the traction control but if it has gears than it can cause more problems to my car.
Thank you!!