Just recently got a 2006 Forester (already have a 1998 and a 2002 - love them).  I believe this one was towed on its rear wheels.  When turning, it has the grunt and groan that is typical of a "center differential" (I know that's the manuals) noise.  While there seems to be all kinds of info out there on manuals, I'm having a hard time finding anything on the automatics.  Any information is greatly appreciated  Dennis

Tons of information on automatics, search "Torque Bind"

Thank you (you seem to be one of the well informed by the number of responses you have given).  A google search led me back to my owners manual and the "incase of emergency" section.  A spare fuse has things under control until I can better asses the real problem..My problem seems to be in becoming more familiar with the correct terminology.  For the most part, our Subies have been very dependable other than a few maintenance items.  The AWD and particular the 2006 are new territory for me.  I have the full factory FSM for the '98 ,and a Chiltons for the '02.  The '06, I'll have to learn about.   Dennis 

Try searching here, there is so much information you  may not be able t search

 

Let me start you off with a basic lesson http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/traction/tech_traction_4wd_2.htm

 

Basically the clutch pack is cooked form 2 wheel towing.  Subaru  uses a viscous coupling in the center. 

Edited April 18, 20169 yr by nipper

Yeah, that was my fear.  I have a background in Heavy and specialized equipment, so I am somewhat familiar with various kinds of drives, I just needed to be "steered in the right direction" as far as Subarus were concerned.  I started this with a search of "Subaru towed on 2 wheels", which led to "center differential" (manual) and a little about the viscous coupling (which some seemed to think was for the manuals).  Of course there are also a lot of B.S. specialists out there too.  I am fairly involved with the "Planetisuzoo" forum, but the Subies I am still learning.  Trying to decide now if I should 1. Just replace the whole main transaxle with a used one, 2. try a used coupling (not sure of years or compatibility), or 3. Get parts and rebuild this one.  Dennis

FWIW, I picked this Forester up for 1500.00 from a guy (shiester) who I found out bought it for junk (from the original owner).  For the most part, the car is in good shape. 

To be honest when my unit went bad I had the dealer rebuild it to get it right. Transmission shops are shady at best. Its not hard to rebuild yourself I just dont have a garage, nor at the time a paved driveway. 

 

If the tranny works, I would just replace the unit. Since it sort of hangs on the tail of the tranny, it can always be used on another tranny. 

Our 2005 forester has had a 'slightly tight' clutch pack for at least 50,000 miles, has never gotten worse.

It groans a bit in a parking lot, doesn't shudder.

A little groaning is normal in a Subaru as the computer figures things out. The only time I had one not do this it was a manual

This one was grunting pretty badly.  I installed the fuse and it is smooth as silk now, but of course, there is no AWD.  It will be at least a couple of weeks before I get to it.  Only tranny "shop" I trust is a former GM tranny guy who does side work.  He is pretty good with all kinds, but the jobs always take a few weeks.  Most shops around here, the techs should be wearing striped uniforms with numbers on them.   Dennis

This is common in the second Gen Foresters. I will do a drain and fill service with new filter and clear the transmission computer memory. It helps for awhile but will eventually come back.