Hi guys.

I think, based on some other topics i've seen here, my 08 Impreza (2.0 - EJ204) is experiencing what they call torque binding.

After driving for some time (30, 40 minutes - 30, 40 km more or less), when I do some parking manaveurs i fell like my right front wheel is loose (i feel some "hops"), both going backward or forward, only when turning.

Aside from that, everything's fine (suspension, transmission and axle), i don't feel any vibrations or anything worth of taking note in higher speeds (20 km/h+), it's only when parking or low speeds (less than 10 km/h). Also, all my tires are the same and they're wearing equally.

I've seen here many topics but mainly talking about the AT4 cases, but what about the MT5 transmissions? The "trick" of doing 20 circles to the right and then 20 to the left works too with the MT5 cars?

 

As far as I researched, when that happens the possible culript on the MT cases, is the center differential, right? It's the ENTIRE piece of just one part of it?

 

Thanks.

I have read of several 5 spds that behave like yours (seems OK when stone-cold, but binds after 10-20 minutes of warm-up) and it almost certainly is the center diff.

 

here , many folks would source a used trans from a wreck - perhaps getting one with fewer miles on it. But some folks do order a new viscous unit and replace it inside the trans.

 

you might dig around at www.opposedforces.com for a part number.

 

 

seizing brake caliper, u-joints and 'maybe' the carrier bearing could possibly cause similar problems so, make certain they and everything else, are OK before doing any expensive or difficult transmission work!

Sounds like torque bind, good job diagnosing it.

 

To repair it you have to replace the VLSD.  $500 part, after labor figure $800-$1,200 to repair it.

Even the base models of the Impreza has VLSD? Mine's a commom NA 2.0 16V 150cv. I'm asking that because I thought that only the WRX and STI versions had those.

I'm going to diagnose it this week, i'll post the results later. If the center diff is the cause, I'm thinking about getting one from a wrecked one because, as far as i've read, it's not a commom problem unless you use different tires with different calibration, which wasn't my case, i believe, because my tires are new (1 year and 2 months) and i calibrate them every 3 weeks. So, if i keep that in mind, an used one will last an eternity, mostly because i barely hit the 6k miles a year with any car i've owned.

Also, i forgot to ask one thing.
Is there a risk of driving with the center diff in that condition? Knowing that I don't notice any vibrations, gears slipping etc...

Even the base models of the Impreza has VLSD? Mine's a commom NA 2.0 16V 150cv. I'm asking that because I thought that only the WRX and STI versions had those.

 

I'm going to diagnose it this week, i'll post the results later. If the center diff is the cause, I'm thinking about getting one from a wrecked one because, as far as i've read, it's not a commom problem unless you use different tires with different calibration, which wasn't my case, i believe, because my tires are new (1 year and 2 months) and i calibrate them every 3 weeks. So, if i keep that in mind, an used one will last an eternity, mostly because i barely hit the 6k miles a year with any car i've owned.

Yes it’s a VLSD *center* diff. Every New gen manual trans since the intro of the EJ platform around 1990 have had the same VLSD center diffs unless you’re talking an exotic STi DCCD. There’s no other option. you’re thinking of front or rear diffs?

 

As for continuing to drive- yes they can be driven for quite a while. Variables make it hard to say how long but they generally don’t become symptomatic very fast.

 

But - the additional strain is hard on driveline components such as axles and the rear shaft and at least on automatics it can be hard in the trans. On an AT the internal hub/drum can shear off and you have to replace it. But that’s rare and I don’t know if, or what, an equivalent MT internal issue might be. MTs are so uncommon there’s not a huge sample size. I’ve seen one failed rear axle due to torque bind - drivable but noisy under load.

Edited January 3, 20188 yr by idosubaru

No chance the transmission or rear diff have been worked on recently is it? If the final drive ratios are mismatched you’ll also get binding but it’ll bind driving straight.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Even so i'll still go to a mechanic to confirm if is really my center diff. Some people on groups said that even a CV Joint may be causing it but the most certain cause is the center diff...

I think i can still go that way for a little longer, considering that i don't use it very often and, as I said, the only abnormality I notice is when parking. On highways, fast turns and city driving I don't notice absolutely nothing wrong with the car. But i'll repair it as soon as i can.

 

About my transmission or differentials, my car is relatively new, it's a 2008 Impreza "Shark Eye" but i've hit 107.000 km (~66.500 miles) the last week, so i don't think it's been rebuilt or anything like that...

Have you got a trolley jack you could take with you, try make it bind, stop and park safely while still stiff? Just stick jack under rear diff if that is allowed not gonna destroy any bushes? See if you get an unlocking release of the wheels as the rears come off the ground - just as they come off. This is what I have done when parked into a no more forward and cant reverse situation in EA81 EA82 stuff. Oh, I say rears coz our handbrakes on the front, you might need to leave you hand brake rear off and in nuetral, chock wheels again for safety

Edited January 3, 20188 yr by jono

I don't have one... I also thought about doind that but what doesn't help me is that the trolley jack i have is small. I think an elevator would be better to diagnose it.

 

Also, Every time i lifted my car on a trolley jack i've done it in the rear diff.

To be honest, i only didn't understand  the part where you was talking about the handbrake. Mine i adjusted this weekend and it's on the rear wheel... (sorry it isn't what you meant hauahuhuahdua) 

you missed the important diagnostic bit as you will see , hear and maybe feel the torque bind release as soon as one wheel gets some relief from the torque bind you may have created by leaving all four on the road, hard surface. If you try it you will see.

Guys, here's the update.

It's my center differential the cause of this problem. According to the mechanic i consulted, it's a chronic problem of these cars (Impreza, WRX and XV) and should've been made a recall, but who represents Subaru in my country didn't care about that and left this problem on the owner's shoulders.

I'll try getting one from a low mileage wreck or shipping one, because a new one here, on the dealership, is sold for ~US$ 1.050.

if you get an entire transmission, be sure the final drive is the same as your rear differential.

If you can find a blown transmission you can swap the center diff. But if parts are pricey and you’re paying labor at a shop I’d go for a new one.

 

doubt it’s chronic, I don’t think they’re considered that big of a deal in the US anyway. It happens but not at exceptional rates I don’t think. That may vary by model or country but it’s more likely you’re mechannic doesn’t favor them or has a bias for some reason, as we all do.

mismatched tire diameter (low pressure Mc uneven wear, etc) or improper towing will burn up the center diff.

The question is: is there any risk of keeping using the car when he's that way?
I mean, it'll damage only my center differential or other things?

btw, i'm looking for a way to get a new piece...

The question is: is there any risk of keeping using the car when he's that way?

I mean, it'll damage only my center differential or other things?

 

btw, i'm looking for a way to get a new piece...

i already answered that question directly earlier, reread my post.

i already answered that question directly earlier, reread my post.

 

Sorry, I forgot hauhauahua

If that's the case, I think I can handle it. This mechanic that I went last friday, he said to me that, if it starts to bind even when it's cold, It can, probably, lock one of my wheels one day, randomly.

 

Is it correct?

I'm asking because I can't see any correlation to the viscous coupling, the center diff and the fact that it can lock wheels for any reasons...

Edited January 10, 20188 yr by FearWRX

nope.  no wheel can lock.  i'm not sure why he would say that, it doesn't make any sense.

 

when it's binding - it's a massive twisting happening from the wheel to the center diff so all that load is being carried by each component from the center diff, rear driveshaft, rear diff, and axle.

the weakest link will fail, but not clue how long or what that is in an MT.

Thanks, ido. That's exactly what I thought too, I couldn't find a link between the wheel lock and all the mechanical components. But, is there any chance that the thing that fails is the bearing on the center diff and not the whole piece?

 

Also, thank you for the patience and help that you all are giving to me. Hope all of this can help someone in the future too.