I'll try to make this as clear as possible. My 1997 Legacy GT 2.5 is having a problem that my machanic can't figure out. Here's what it does:

 

1. From a stopped position I go to make a turn and the front end shakes and shimmies. No noise.

 

2. Going straight it is fine. No noise or vibration.

 

3. While in motion the steering is fine. I can do figure 8's and all seems fine.

 

4. Brakes look good.

 

5. Wheel bearings look fine.

 

6. Problem also happens if I coast forwards or backwards while turning the wheel.

 

7. No rub marks on the tires.

 

8. Engine is running fine.

 

9. Fluids have been checked.

 

10. The recall spring guard was installed about two or three years ago.

 

11. CV Joints check out fine.

 

We are at a loss and I do not want to bring it to my Subaru dealer because he's a crook. Can you guys help me? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Is this an automatic? I'm not familiar enough with the symptoms but could this be a problem with the automatic where the center diff has become locked?

 

Keith

Is there excess play at the fwd diff input shafts, where the axles pin to?

It's an automatic.

 

As for the play in the Fwd Differential I don't know but my machanic had it up on a lift checking everything and I'd think he'd of noticed if something wasn't right. But then again I'll ask him tomorrow. I'm guessing there shouldn't be any play?

*bump*

 

I still need help!! I need my car out of the shop. Please reply. Thanks

I suspect torque bind. Do a search on this subject because it has been posted on a thousand times. BTW, it's "mechanic". If you call a mechanic a "machanic" you'll only piss him off. Hint: it's not a steering problem.

I had a problem with the steering on my SVX. It would be jerky/hard turning the steering wheel and the steering wheel would not come back to center after the turn. I put in a bottle of Lucas PS additive and it went away in a week. I had about 180k miles on it at the time.

Thanks for the help. I've looked up torque bind and came up with a few ideas. Sorry about "machanic". I know how to spell it, I just don't know how to type.

Checked today...No access play in the fwd diff input shafts.

Have to engine and transmission mounts been checked?

The engine and transmission mounts have been checked. The fwd diff has no play in it. The tires have been properly inflated and rotated. My mechanic has given up and the problem still exists.

 

I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CARE TO THE DEALER.

 

Is there any Subaru machanics in the Atlanta area that are trustworthy?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

Try the power steering fluid flush first.

Install a fuse in the FWD fuse holder. Does the problem go away? If it goes away it's a center diff problem for sure.

The engine and transmission mounts have been checked. The fwd diff has no play in it. The tires have been properly inflated and rotated. My mechanic has given up and the problem still exists.

 

I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CARE TO THE DEALER.

 

Is there any Subaru machanics in the Atlanta area that are trustworthy?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

 

Bring it up to Top Speed and I'll give a quick check...here are MapQuest Directions.

 

We are open 10am to 7pm Monday thru Friday...saturday by appointment only.

Thanks WJM. I may just have to do that. However I placed the fuse in the FWD fuse holder and the problem went away. I told my mechanic about that days ago (twice) and for some odd reason he never tryed it. Okay, now what do I do? If the center differential is bad, what must I do to repair it?

 

Thanks

Thanks WJM. I may just have to do that. However I placed the fuse in the FWD fuse holder and the problem went away. I told my mechanic about that days ago (twice) and for some odd reason he never tryed it. Okay, now what do I do? If the center differential is bad, what must I do to repair it?

 

Thanks

 

the center clutch pack duty solenoid needs to be replaced. Thats about a $80~$100 peice...and the labor on that is about 3~4 hours i think.

Is that going to be internal or external? How difficult is it to replace the solenoids?

Is that going to be internal or external? How difficult is it to replace the solenoids?

 

 

 

Remember me? I'm the guy who recommended installing the FWD fuse. Ok, it's most likely the center diff clutch pack. It may just be the "C" duty soleniod, but don't count on it. At the dealership it will probably cost you around a $1,000, maybe more, to have this fixed. Call the service dept, say you suspect that you need the center differential clutch pack replaced and get an estimate.

Of course I remember you! You're "The Dude". Looks like you were right. Good call. I'll call around and see what can be done.

 

I'll now be taking donations for my new clutch pack. Please send your check or money order to:

 

Mr. Nocknagel Poorman

1600 Pennsylvania Ave

Powder Springs, Ga 30127

 

*

 

Hey WJM, You do this kind of work? Got price?

Of course I remember you! You're "The Dude". Looks like you were right. Good call. I'll call around and see what can be done.

 

I'll now be taking donations for my new clutch pack. Please send your check or money order to:

 

Mr. Nocknagel Poorman

1600 Pennsylvania Ave

Powder Springs, Ga 30127

 

*

 

Hey WJM, You do this kind of work? Got price?

 

Yes, I do this kind of work. PM me your vin so I can get an appropriate price quote.

 

WJM

Thanks for all your help. The new ATF with the LDS worked. Drives like new. Looks like as a car gets older the fluid needs to be changed more often. Thanks for saving me tons of money and with a baby on the way in less then a month it was good timing.

...the LDS worked...

 

Ok Admiral Kirk.... :-p You mean LSD additive.

Actually it said LDS on the bottle. I'm not kidding. They made fun of me when I called it LSD. Of course one being a drug and the other being the mormons there's a joke either way.