What is the big deal with auto gearboxes ?

[Gilbert Smith]

My 2005 2.0XT Forester has an auto gearbox problem, most likely the
front diff, causing juddering slow speed on lock.

The UK "Main Dealers" are useless, the first said it needed a new rear
axle (!!), the next identified the problem by driving it in a tight
circle until it wrecked both front drive shafts (outer CV joints),
then couldn't wait to wash his hands of it - saying "we don't do
gearboxes".

I bought a second hand gearbox, and now cannot find anyone to fit it.
There are as many reasons as "specialists" I have contacted, but
mainly "don't touch Subarus" or "don't do autos".

Brilliant for a 23,000 mile vehicle.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

My 2005 2.0XT Forester has an auto gearbox problem, most likely the
front diff, causing juddering slow speed on lock.

The UK "Main Dealers" are useless, the first said it needed a new rear
axle (!!), the next identified the problem by driving it in a tight
circle until it wrecked both front drive shafts (outer CV joints),
then couldn't wait to wash his hands of it - saying "we don't do
gearboxes".

I bought a second hand gearbox, and now cannot find anyone to fit it.
There are as many reasons as "specialists" I have contacted, but
mainly "don't touch Subarus" or "don't do autos".

Brilliant for a 23,000 mile vehicle.

This seems like a center diff (really, a wet clutch pack) problem. You
could use the FWD fuse in the fusebox under the hood (unless they've
moved it) untill the problem is repaired. 23,00 seems very low miles
for this failure unless you ran different sized tires for extended
time on dry surfaces.

In the US - a person in your position 'MIGHT" get some goodwill
adjustment by getting a regional manager to investigate. Perhaps you
pay for parts and they cover the labor or ??? type deal.

 

[StephenH]

This seems like a center diff (really, a wet clutch pack) problem. You
could use the FWD fuse in the fusebox under the hood (unless they've
moved it) untill the problem is repaired. 23,00 seems very low miles
for this failure unless you ran different sized tires for extended
time on dry surfaces.

In the US - a person in your position 'MIGHT" get some goodwill
adjustment by getting a regional manager to investigate. Perhaps you
pay for parts and they cover the labor or ??? type deal.

in the us a Ford limited slip additive works sometimes in fixing
shudders in tight corners

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

in the us a Ford limited slip additive works sometimes in fixing shudders
in tight corners

Funny, Toyota has had a long relationship with GM in the US, but when you
go to a Toyota dealer looking for Limited Slip additive, they send you to
Ford!

 

[Dave__67]

This seems like a center diff (really, a wet clutch pack) problem. You
could use the FWD fuse in the fusebox under the hood (unless they've
moved it) untill the problem is repaired. 23,00 seems very low miles
for this failure unless you ran different sized tires for extended
time on dry surfaces.

In the US - a person in your position 'MIGHT" get some goodwill
adjustment by getting a regional manager to investigate. Perhaps you
pay for parts and they cover the labor or ??? type deal.

Ditto this- install the FWD fuse and see if that helps, also check for
a transmission fault code with a code reader.

Does the AT Temp light flash a few times at strtup?


Dave

 

[Gilbert Smith]

Ditto this- install the FWD fuse and see if that helps, no change.
also check for a transmission fault code with a code reader. no fault codes.

Does the AT Temp light flash a few times at strtup?

No.

I did eventually find a garage that would fit my secondhand box, and I
am pleased to say that it is now better than when I bought the car.

Of course, it doesn't prove whether it was the front or centre diff,
but there is no 'scrubbing' even at full lock and the 'clunk' I got
when moving from brake to power has gone too.

 

[Dave__67]

no fault codes.


No.

I did eventually find a garage that would fit my secondhand box, and I
am pleased to say that it is now better than when I bought the car.

Of course, it doesn't prove whether it was the front or centre diff,
but there is no 'scrubbing' even at full lock and the 'clunk' I got
when moving from brake to power has gone too.

There is no center diff, just a multiplate wet clutch.

It almost certainly was not the front diff, they never have a limited-
slip of any type.


Dave

 

[Gilbert Smith]

I forgot to say that the dealer did try this, and said it made no
difference. Perhaps not conclusive evidence of a front diff problem,
but pretty damning.

I am thinking of taking the thing to an auto specialist who says he
knows all about them, maybe get a quote to repair it with a view to
re-sale. Only problem is transporting it between garages, I would have
to re-inforce the floor of the Forester.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I forgot to say that the dealer did try this, and said it made no
difference. Perhaps not conclusive evidence of a front diff problem,
but pretty damning.

I am thinking of taking the thing to an auto specialist who says he
knows all about them, maybe get a quote to repair it with a view to
re-sale. Only problem is transporting it between garages, I would have
to re-inforce the floor of the Forester.

Could someone have done a transmission fluid service and drained the
front diff by mistake?
I think very old Soobs can get a 'jerkiness' from bad driveshaft U-
joints.

strange

 

[Gilbert Smith]

Could someone have done a transmission fluid service and drained the
front diff by mistake?
I think very old Soobs can get a 'jerkiness' from bad driveshaft U-
joints.

strange

Well, not only is it a 23000 mile Sept05 car, dealer serviced, but the
problem was there before its first service (but outside its 12 months
waranty, due to my low annual mileage).

I have now found a gearbox company to collect it and quote for its
repair, principally to diag the problem. They have offered me £50 for
it worst case.