Rear/Center differential problem on 1996 Legacy AWD

JSTAMBERG

MEMBER
1996 SUBARU

6 weeks ago we bought a 1996 Legacy LS wagon w/ 186,000 miles on it. When we bought it, it had the AWD disabled (by inserting the fuse in the eng. Compartment).

After I learned about the circuit breaker, I removed it, and we have driven it quite a bit in the AWD mode. We have noticed a definite "shudder" or binding when turning at slow speeds. The dealer explained that the rear/center differential needs to be fixed at $1000-1300.

Two questions:
1) Can we simply leave the FWD engaged (by re-inserting the circuit breaker) until we have money to make the repair? Or will that cause other damage over a long period of time?

2) Either way, does it cause any additional complications by waiting to fix this? Or can I simply wait till it totally goes out?

Thanks!
Jim

2 Replies

PSYLOSYFER

MEMBER
24 POSTS

I would remove the rear drive shaft if I had to drive it FWD only till repair.

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Sunday, March 18th, 2007 AT 4:05 AM

SCUBARU

MEMBER
71 POSTS

Noo Noo No if you remove the drive shaft you will spray tranfs fluid all over the earth that I live on. What A Dumb thing to suggest. Please dont follow that advise. You have A transfer clutch or tansfer clutch siliniod problem. If the ATF temp light flashes most likely its the silinoid. Anyways installing the fuse back will keep it from binding yes but can make the problem worse as the system is designed to be AWD the fuse was put there only for diagnoses purposes only. If you let it go to long you may damage the hub and drum for the transfer cluthes and that will go further into your wallet.