I have a 2005 Subaru Outback. When I make sharp turns driving or in reverse, the car shakes. It reminds of trying to turn when you have 4wd activated..sort of...my friend changed the rear differential and transmission fluid. He found small metal shards in the former (not sure if that's related)...I did a little research and found that a cv joint that needs replaced could cause the shaking, especially if the boot that covers was damaged. The car did have a broken boot....any insight would be much appreciated! Thanks!

shards sounds bad, but a 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of 'filings' is likely normal. Doesn't mean a chunk isn't lying in the bottom....

 

Search for the term 'torque bind'. If you have mismatched tires, or certain types of failures associated with the center diff (MT) or 'wet clutch pack' in an auto-tranny - you can get that 'jerkiness' when maneuvering tightly in a parking lot. One or 2 other issues can be similar.

 

more info about the car, what tranny, the tires etc. might help someone suggest the next step.

Edited May 24, 201213 yr by subeman90