I went to the dealer for the alternator recall and was informed after the replacement that my car had "torque bind" which they would gladly fix (change extension housing) for ~$1400

 

I spoke to a Subi specialist about this torque problem. He checked it by installing the famous fuse and verified that indeed the vehicle had the problem. He told me this is common on these cars and recommended that I drain and replace the fluid in the front and rear differentials with synthetic limited slip diff. fluid. He told me that this might fix it for an indefinite time but was certainly cheaper then replacing the extension housing.

 

I am doing this in the morning and will let you know how it works out.

Replaced the fluids in the front and rear differential with Mobile 1 Synthtic diff fluid (~7.00 a qt. and you need 2 liters so you will need tobuy 3 )and the torque bind is gone!

 

Hey if there are a lot of folks out there with this problem maybe SOA has a hidden warranty on this or at least they should have.

 

Do we have a "class" here for a class action?

 

Also installed a switch (AWD/FWD) - real easy. When I throw the switch to FWD a light in the dash comes on. Cost me $3 each for the switch and an inline fuse holder and a few pennies for the wire and crimp connectors. (You should use a 10 amp fuse as the relay draws about 7 amps)

I too had just installed a switch for use of the FWD. I am doing this not to defeat the torque binding problem, but to see the effects of MPG in the summer and for freeway driving.

Just FYI - I have a 1990 Loyale Turbo (EA82T) AWD with 4-speed auto trans. I have the fuse in the engine bay to go to FWD only mode, as also stated in the owners manual.

R/ Patrick

Drew, I'd have to agree with you there.

The FWD fuse is only for AWD automatics, not manuals. And this is only available in the '90 and up Legacy, Outback, Forester models. Was NOT available on Loyales.

One of our customers saw an increase of 3-4mpg average.

 

Emily

www.ccrengines.com

I agree that leaving the Fuse in does not cause problems, however, I must point out that it was an option in the 1990 Loyale. My Loyale has Fulltime 4WD with the Fuse for FWD. Thanks

is this just for awd to fwd or can my 4wd legacy turbo be put into fwd? i looked for the place to put the fuse but i can't seem to find it... at least not what i expected if it is it. i found a wire that has an empty plug but it doesn't look like it's for a fuse, it is however attached to the couple cylinders(2wd) that are pictured in the manual but i don't know how i'm going to get a fuse in there the plug has little metal conectors that are arranged inside the plug as so: -I (one horizontal and the other is vertical). any ideas?

I am not sure if you found it or what year your car is, but in my 90 Loyale the Switch is located under the hood on the Drivers side about 8 inches away from the Firewall. It is very close to the Fusabe Links Box. Mine does not saw FWD becasue that was written on the Cover which was lost long ago. Thanks