Reverse Gear Problems in 2010 Legacy MT

[PeteyPab1015]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, and I've been having an issue with the reverse gear in my Subaru 2010 Legacy 2.5 Non-Turbo MT (176k miles) ever since I had the clutch replaced in 2016 (@125k miles). Gears 1-6 work great, but when I try to put the car in reverse, the gear pops out. I've found that if I press the car into reverse and jiggle the shifter right to left ten times, it works. But I would really like to know the source of the problem. I took the Subaru back to the mechanic who changed my clutch, and he didn't fix or diagnose the problem. He also does not have a good reputation, so I don't want to bring my car to him anymore. Both the dealer and a transmission specialist said they wouldn't be able to diagnose the problem without disassembling the transmission.

Any ideas of why the reverse gear would being popping out after a clutch job? Is it possible the issue is unrelated to the clutch replacement? It seems like too big of a coincidence to me. Could something have been knocked out of alignment during the clutch job causing the reverse gear to pop out?

I'm pretty new to DIY auto mechanics, and I started doing work on my Subaru about a year ago (new brakes and rotors, jacked up the engine to replace valve cover gaskets). I'm looking to learn more, and hopefully I can find the source of the problem. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[jvanpotter]

I have the same problem: forward gears are just fine, but I can't hold it in reverse and move it unless I'm on a slant and not much clutch is needed. Level ground, no go. I took it to my mechanic, who told me the internal forks for reverse are shot - evidently the cables that pull them are also kaput. Solution: replace the transmission, or remove and rebuild. Not sure it's worth it, but I do like the driving position and the rest of the car is in pretty good shape. Looking to see if I can find a used transmission and how much work it would be, as I'll probably be doing it myself.

 

[Ecmbuster]

Have an expert diagnose that problem and get another opinion. Something went wrong with the clutch replacement.
It can be a linkage issue or gear synchronizer that is defective.