Lurching in drive train problem

[Dave Goodman]

Help. 99 forester with 222k miles, mild lurching on acceleration and
decelaration in all gears. rear brake drums recently replaced. could they be
warped ? also, car was sitting for 3 months. guy at adv auto suggests
viscous coupler problem. could it be a rear axle ?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Help. 99 forester with 222k miles, mild lurching on acceleration and
decelaration in all gears. rear brake drums recently replaced. could they be
warped ? also, car was sitting for 3 months. guy at adv auto suggests
viscous coupler problem. could it be a rear axle ?

I would start by investigating the brakes. My daughter's Maxima once
warped the drums and behaved somewhat as you describe.

Center diff can be tested. If automatic tranny, put FWD fuse in
appropriate spot in fuse box under the hood. Wait! yous said viscous
coupler. Well, just drive in tight circles/figure eights in a dry
pavement parking lot. Jerkiness while turning would be suspect for
center diff. If the brakes are dragging - the affected wheel should be
much warmer than the other wheels after driving for a little while.

Are the tires all the same age/brand/size? If not, that can destroy a
center diff.

You should add drive shaft U-joint to the list of suspects also.

Carl