June 5, 20178 yr Bad clacky noise coming from center differential especially on left turns and a little on right. Sounds like a card in the spokes of a bicycle wheel. Bought used 115,000 miles and no noise. Had engine oil changed, at one place and a little recall work (anti-corrosion added to brake lines/salt state) at a dealership. Both places claimed to have performed fluid checks of all applicable units. This was before I even knew the car came equipped with a dip stick for the differential. Assumed all was well, then noise started. Took to another mechanic and center differential was dry. Put oil in and was advised to replace entire unit. Very expensive and not really able to afford this. Have had to continue to drive the car for like 6 months now, and even though the noise has increased, there has been no change in performance. I have done some research on the composition of this differential, and was wondering what is actually making the clacking noise. Since there seems to be no performance loss (for now), is it possible just to fix whatever is making the noise instead of the ol' remove and replace the whole unit??? My problem...either no one will be honest with me or they really don't have the knowledge I seek. PLEASE ADVISE!!!
June 5, 20178 yr I'm assuming you're talking about the front diff, as the actual center diff is part of the end of the transmission and that has no dipstick because it gets fluid from the regular transmission fluid. The front diff (for ease of explanation) is part of the transmission and in order to make any repairs to the front diff, the transmission would need to be removed and opened up. Other on this board have more experience with the front diff failing (as its common I guess...?) and could give you more insight as to the noises etc. Either way, Imo, if the transmission needs to be removed due to a bad front diff, just installed a used transmission instead of trying to repair it.
June 5, 20178 yr Make a post as to who is good with Subaru's in your area,if it was dry,where is the leak coming from? Is it auto or standers?
June 5, 20178 yr Author I'm assuming you're talking about the front diff, as the actual center diff is part of the end of the transmission and that has no dipstick because it gets fluid from the regular transmission fluid. The front diff (for ease of explanation) is part of the transmission and in order to make any repairs to the front diff, the transmission would need to be removed and opened up. Other on this board have more experience with the front diff failing (as its common I guess...?) and could give you more insight as to the noises etc. Either way, Imo, if the transmission needs to be removed due to a bad front diff, just installed a used transmission instead of trying to repair it. Yes I guess I mean the front differential. Replace better than repair? I can see that might be the way to go. Thanks!
June 5, 20178 yr Author Make a post as to who is good with Subaru's in your area,if it was dry,where is the leak coming from? Is it auto or standers? It is automatic with auto-stick option. Is holding oil since refill and no see leak anywhere, however I do smell gear oil on occasion.
June 5, 20178 yr Yeah, I'd definitely make a post looking for a Subaru mechanic in your area. That would be my best choice, just find a used tranny and have the shop out in the used one instead of messing with the front diff, ESPECIALLY if the shop doing the repair isn't similar with subarus. Unless they're similar with subarus they should not be opening up the front diff. Could you try to explain the noise it is making a little better or differently? Or maybe get a video while it's happening so people on the forums can listen to the sound to better help diagnose your issue?
June 5, 20178 yr Author Yeah, I'd definitely make a post looking for a Subaru mechanic in your area. That would be my best choice, just find a used tranny and have the shop out in the used one instead of messing with the front diff, ESPECIALLY if the shop doing the repair isn't similar with subarus. Unless they're similar with subarus they should not be opening up the front diff. Could you try to explain the noise it is making a little better or differently? Or maybe get a video while it's happening so people on the forums can listen to the sound to better help diagnose your issue? I will try to get the recording of the noise. Have to be driving, but think I can do both at a slow speed!!! Thank you
June 5, 20178 yr to me, it seems like you may have half-axle noises but, there definitely have been bad front diffs. Sometimes incorrect fluids are drained/filled. definitely locate a good soob-friendly shop. If you need a full trans, check car-part.com and maybe LKQ Edited June 5, 20178 yr by 1 Lucky Texan
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now