I have a '96 Legacy Wagon with 157k miles. It has developed a problem with the front differential, which needs to be replaced, which will cost $1950.00

 

Questions: Does anyone have a similar issue with their Suburu?

Does it seem like a reasonable price for newdifferential?

Should it be fixed or should we dispose of this car?

What might have caused this problem??

 

I have had fine service from this car, and I like Suburu in general. I have never heard of such a problem before.

 

Thanks for your help, larry.k

What exactly is the problem?

 

Has it been run with different size tyres front to rear? New on one end and old on the other end will damage the diff, due to axle speed variations.

do a search in the forum for the symtoms you have or use these different keywords:

 

binding

differential

tire circumference

torque bind

 

There have been things done to the cars to solve issues that could be diagnosed as a major repair.

Hi again, I'm not sure what the problem is exactly. The only theory that Subaru has is that tires of different sizes will cause this kind of wear. I got the car with 70K on it, at that time it had four brand new tires, all exactly the same size. Since then I have replaced the tires, all four at a time, once with a set of Perellis, and just two weeks ago, with a new set of Toyos, again all exactly the same size. I have never had a flat tire, so I have never driven the car on a "donut" tire, the spare hasn't ever been on the road at all!

 

It seems to be one of those "who knows!" kind of deals. I like Subaru a lot, and the all wheel drive is great, but when it breaks, WOW!

 

larry.k

A more detailed description of the symptoms you are having might help out here.

 

Have you tried inserting a 20amp fuse in the FWD plug located in the engine compartment near the firewall on the passenger side?

If so does the problem go away?

If it does turn out to be a differential, I would press Subaru as to answer the "why" question.

 

In terms of repair, I think it would be much cheaper to go with a used transmission or even a rebuilt one. I have had a few AWD cars, but never a Subaru (Newbie). But, if I understand some of the Subie systems correctly, a front differential shouldn't go bad from different sized tires front to rear - only the center differential (or viscous coupling, or torque transfer device in the automatics I think) would be affected. I have run into that on center viscous setups.

I've asked the dealer service guy why it happened. He offers the idea of different sized tires, then when that doesn't float, he shrugs his sholders and says things just wear out.

 

The "mechanic's shrug" is a wonderful thing, wish they had something like it in my industry; I'd love to just shrug and demand $1950.00 from my customers!! Ha

 

larry.k

Why not check with Subaru Wrecking yard, and see if they have the part you need. Lot's of wrecking yards in Tx. will also do the labor. (however we are short of Subaru yard's here) but you should have some in your area.

I've reread this entire thread and something does'nt add up. When tires of different circumferences are the cause of a problem it's the center differential (viscous coupling in a MT and clutch pack in a AT) that fails not the front differential. Also you never said if it was MT or AT. The At front diff is a separate unit from the trans. Is it possible it was driven on too little gear oil?