Hi, I have a 97 Outback 2.5 DOHC with a 5 speed manual. I have been getting a driveline noise only when cornering. I thought I had a bad wheel bearing, but cant find one noisy or loose. All u-joints are good. I am now thinking it may be the centre diff VC. I have just put new 80/90 in the trans and rear diff, but the noise is still there. How involved are they to strip, and what is the best way to diagnose them?

Do all your tires match and are equally worn.

 

How are the CV joints?

 

The Viscous Coupling is sealed so gear lube has no effect on torque bind.

 

The Test.

 

Find a flat parking lot. Start off straight then turn the wheel to full lock and hold it there, the car should be moving at idle speed. You should be able to do this without lurching or having to fight the steering wheel. If you have either one of theese you have TB.

The noise I get is just like a bearing noise, all tires are new Hankooks, Its quiet when going straight, but as soon as I turn I get like a wa wa wa drone. I have tried it at idle on full lock in both directions, the steering wheel does not kick back at all but the noise is there.

MAy be a wheel bearing. Sometimes you need to le a noise get louder before you know what it is. As long as you feel confident that it isnt TB.

 

You may be able to hear a bad wheel bearing by spinning the wheel while off the ground and listening. It is possible that it needs a little side loading (the turn) to make the noise.

 

Check the backing plates of the discs too.

Do all your tires match and are equally worn.

 

 

 

i had the same problem. All my tires appeared equal and in good shape. It ended up being tires that where out of round (never knew that could happen). Try rotating your tires to see if it gets better or worse.

Try rotating your tires to see if it gets better or worse.

 

Silly .... if the tires did not rotate the car wouldnt move!