Transfer case removal

[eppoh]

Looks like the Duty C solenoid on my newly purchased 97 Legacy wagon is out. 16 flashes of the AT Temp light after starting and some binding when starting our turning right and when backing up turning.

 

Can that rear part of the tranny, ( transfer case ) be dropped with the tranny in the car? How will I know if the clutch is shot, and if so how expensive is the replacement?

 

The car has 151,000 miles and seems to have been fairly well cared for- except this.

 

Also, I saw a post in the mods section to put a switch in, so that it can be switched to FWD only from the cab. Would putting a fuse in the FWD jumper and driving it that way til I can fix the solenoid hurt anything or maybe lessen the wear on that transfer clutch?

[idosubaru]

You can run all day long with the FWD fuse in place, it won't hurt anything. As a matter of fact you should to prevent strain on all sorts of other components from the binding. Depending how the Duty C is failing, the fuse might not work.

 

It sounds like your clutches might be fine and your Duty C is hosed. Plan on replacing the Duty C for sure. You have the option of leaving your existing clutches since it seems like the solenoid is the problem but many folks would go ahead and replace all of it while it's apart.

 

If the car has been well maintained, tires rotated, not improperly towed, fluid changed, etc - then it's likely the clutches are fine.

 

Binding is often caused by simple things, make sure these are checked:

1. make sure all your tires match in size and tread depth. rotate frequently

2. change your transmission fluid (all of it, one drain and refill is not sufficient)

 

There's some great threads and pictures on here, just keep searching. You can drop the rear extension housing (which has the Duty C and clutches in it) without removing the transmission. All in all it's not a terrible job.

 

There's another thread with all the part numbers you'll need (though it doesn't include the part numbers for the clutches).