I've got a 96 Legacy Outback 2.2L standard and I'm having an issue. The front wheels bind up when I make sharp turns. It only does it after the car has been moving for a while 4+ miles. Most noticable pulling into and out of parking spots. It seems like the differential is not letting the axles rotate at different speeds. You can feel the tires skid and the engine bogs down unless you slip the clutch a bit.

 

Anybody have any clues on how to trouble shoot this?

 

Thanks,

Peter

My '90 Legacy will do that sometimes if the tire pressures are not equal, thus making the tire/wheel combos not the same circumference and causing the bind. I had it added air and it was gone, may be coincidence.

See my thread on "Viscous Coupling Unit?" It sums up the state of my knowledge at this point. Please let me know if you learn any more. Thanx -- George

Sounds like a viscous coupling problemto me. Maybe try a tranny lube change or a friction modifier additive.

Just had mine checked out. As far as my dealer is concerned, it's my center diff. $1100 to replace (said the VC itself couldn't be replaced, it's all part of the CD assembly). My tires are all the same circumference. Tranny fluid is good. My mechanic put in a mix of regular 80W90 and some GM Synchromesh, thinking the SM would help things. Shifts smoother than ever, but still binds after driving awhile.) Had the rear diff changed recently. I may try to replace the rear with some synth and see where that goes. Dealer said the new CD MAY fix it, but the problem may still be there even after that. Regardless, I'll be getting second and third opinions, but as of now, that's the state of things.