Subaru Legacy Differential problem

[zsar00]

I have a 95 GT Legacy auto trans that has just started having problems with
the rear diff. When turning travelling forwards and at any time in
reverse there is a vibration that feels like it is going through the drive
train and a shuddering sort of feeling. It feels as though the diff is
binding up or something. Any ideas??

 

[oothlagre]

Sounds like the clutch packs in the transmission are going. On the AT model,
they control power distribution between the front/rear axles. I have the 5MT
tranny, and it uses a similar process, but different components so another
person might be able to explain it better.

 

[John]

I've had the same issue on my 95 LS. The dealer states that this is a
normal characteristic of the AWD system but I was skeptical. Then I checked
the air pressure in my tires and one was low. With the correct pressure,
the symptoms went away so I'd start there.
Also, have your tires been rotated on a regular basis and/or are the front
tires more worn than the rear? The difference in circumference due to wear
on the front tires can also cause the binding feel in turns.

 

[Manuel Freitas]

I have a 95 GT Legacy auto trans that has just started having problems with
the rear diff. When turning travelling forwards and at any time in
reverse there is a vibration that feels like it is going through the drive
train and a shuddering sort of feeling. It feels as though the diff is
binding up or something. Any ideas??

I had the same thing on mine. It needed to be driven a few miles
before I could reproduce the symptoms. It was a bad center
differential which had to be replaced. $1000 bucks. Good luck.

- Manuel.

 

[NitroTrike]

Sounds like it could be the center diff. I think they have limited slip center
diffs and limited slip rear diffs. Try changing the gear lube, maybe even to a
synthetic.

 

[Henry Paul]

Changing the gear lube won't help the viscous center diff. It is a sealed
package with a different type of fluid inside. Unless there is more than one
type of center diff?